Review: I Color Myself Different

Today I want to share a beautiful picture book that encourages young readers to embrace and celebrate their identity. I Color Myself Different by Colin Kaepernick and Eric Wilkerson is based on a real life-changing moment from the Super Bowl quarterback’s childhood.

When a young Colin’s teacher asks his class to color pictures of their families, Colin dives right in. He colors his mom, dad, and siblings in one color, and himself in another. Colin is adopted, and he is the only one with brown skin in his family. When Colin shows his drawing to the class, he gets lots of questions from his classmates. He thinks back to his conversations about adoption with his family, and proudly explains to his class that he is proud of his brown skin.

This beautiful story of self-discovery and identity is sure to encourage young readers to embrace their own identities and celebrate our differences. The illustrations by Eric Wilkerson are lovely. I especially appreciated the way he captures emotion through facial expressions. HIs portraiture skill is especially relevant on a spread that shows portraits of nine different leaders who dared to be different. The back matter contains further detail about these nine heroes, as well as an author’s note from Colin Kaepernick.

I Color Myself Different is available wherever books are sold, including Bookshop and Amazon. (Please note: Some links provided are affiliate links. Affiliate links allow me to receive a small commission for recommendations at no cost to you. This commission is used to maintain this site and to continue bringing content to you. I always appreciate your support!)

Thank you so much to Kaepernick Publishing and TvS Media Group for sharing a review copy of I Color Myself Different with me. I’m honored to share Colin’s story with everyone today.

About the Author:

Colin Kaepernick is a professional NFL Super Bowl quarterback who fights oppression globally. He founded the Know Your Rights Camps to advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown people through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization, and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders. In 2020, he started Kaepernick Publishing to elevate a new generation of writers and creators through the development and publication of meaningful works of all genres with the focus of amplifying diverse views and voices. I Color Myself Different is his first book for children. kaepernickpublishing.com

About the Illustrator:

Eric Wilkerson is an award-winning illustrator and conceptual artist who has created many sci-fi, fantasy, and middle grade book covers. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts, he teaches illustration at CG Spectrum, while also focusing on painting people of color having out-of-this-world adventures. Eric lives in Northern Virginia and this is his first picture book. Visit his website at ericwilkersonart.com.

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