The fabulous Edweena

A figure-skating competition offers an opportunity for a child to explore individual expression in this personal-feeling picture book by Dumont, who is of Ojibway heritage. Young narrator Edwin, who has practiced all year for the event, looks forward to dressing for the performance, "dreaming of who I can become" in sister Patsy's closet. "Going in as one person and coming out as another" is part of the wardrobe's allure as, wearing earrings, makeup, and a wig, Edwin transforms into Edweena Louisa: it's "the first time my classmates will see me wear a dress and heels." Fearing disapproval despite the excitement, Edweena heads to the rink, where affirming reactions lead to the triumphant child feeling that "I've already won." Cho's scratchy, star-splashed illustrations portray would-be naysayers using monochromatic filters, while Edweena appears vibrant on every page. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Publishes simultaneously in a dual Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) and English edition. Ages 6--8. (Mar.)

Gr 2--5--In this gentle tale, a young figure skater named Edwin borrows his sister's clothes for competition. With a fun costume on, Edwin becomes Edweena. Edweena, whose pronouns are not specified, worries that the other children will mock or reject them. However, Edweena encounters no opposition in this affectionate and accepting story. Edweena is lovingly depicted with bright, expressive eyes and a wide, warm smile. All characters are uniquely designed with individual appearances and clothing. Edweena's figure skating maneuvers are shown with precision and elegance. The majority of scenes are intelligently composed. The children Edweena worries about are illustrated in watery greens and blues, suggesting that their scorn exists only in Edweena's imagination. Sure enough, despite Edweena's worries, everyone attends the competition to support them, although their parents are conspicuously absent and never mentioned. However, some spreads feel disconnected from the text. For example, in one scene, Greg cheers for Edweena; however, Greg is not one of the characters illustrated in the background. In a unique narrative choice, readers never learn if Edweena wins the competition. The self-confidence and acceptance gained throughout the story are the true rewards. The back matter includes an author biography that implies this story is autobiographical; perhaps this is why Edweena's costume evokes memories of 1980s pop culture heroines, such as Jem or She-Ra. VERDICT A heartwarming story that will enrich any collection.--Chance Lee Joyner