About the book
From Yamile Saied Méndez, acclaimed author of Where Are You From?, comes a stunning lyrical picture book that tells the story of one girl who is always asked a simple question: What will you be when you grow up?
“Méndez and Alizadeh create a balance between the abstract and concrete by letting the child imagine the future but with Abuela’s guidance and support. A sweet read to share with loved ones.” —Kirkus (starred review)
“Turning a common question of childhood into a substantive quest, this imaginative set of plans will have other children charting their own course through the stars.” —School Library Journal
What will you be when you grow up?
A young girl dreams about all the endless possibilities, sparking a sense of wonder, curiosity, and growth. With her abuela’s loving guidance, she learns her potential is limitless.
Yamile Saied Méndez’s powerful, lyrical text and Kip Alizadeh’s colorful, stunning art are a radiant celebration of family, love, and community.
A Spanish-language edition, ¿Qué Serás?, is also available.
- A Kirkus Best Picture Book of the Year
- A Banks Street Best Children’s Books of the Year
- A Wisconsin State Reading Association’s 2022 Picture This Recommendation List
Editions of What Will You Be?
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780062839954
- EBook
- ISBN 9780063089716
Read an Excerpt
From Yamile Saied Méndez, acclaimed author of Where Are You From?, comes a stunning lyrical picture book that tells the story of one girl who is always asked a simple question: What will you be when you grow up?
“Méndez and Alizadeh create a balance between the abstract and concrete by letting the child imagine the future but with Abuela’s guidance and support. A sweet read to share with loved ones.” —Kirkus (starred review)
“Turning a common question of childhood into a substantive quest, this imaginative set of plans will have other children charting their own course through the stars.” —School Library Journal
What will you be when you grow up?
A young girl dreams about all the endless possibilities, sparking a sense of wonder, curiosity, and growth. With her abuela’s loving guidance, she learns her potential is limitless.
Yamile Saied Méndez’s powerful, lyrical text and Kip Alizadeh’s colorful, stunning art are a radiant celebration of family, love, and community.
A Spanish-language edition, ¿Qué Serás?, is also available.
- A Kirkus Best Picture Book of the Year
- A Banks Street Best Children’s Books of the Year
- A Wisconsin State Reading Association’s 2022 Picture This Recommendation List
Frequently Asked Questions
What is What Will You Be? about?
From Yamile Saied Méndez, acclaimed author of Where Are You From?, comes a stunning lyrical picture book that tells the story of one girl who is always asked a simple question: What will you be when you grow up?
“Méndez and Alizadeh create a balance between the abstract and concrete by letting the child imagine the future but with Abuela’s guidance and support. A sweet read to share with loved ones.” —Kirkus (starred review)
“Turning a common question of childhood into a substantive quest, this imaginative set of plans will have other children charting their own course through the stars.” —School Library Journal
What will you be when you grow up?
A young girl dreams about all the endless possibilities, sparking a sense of wonder, curiosity, and growth. With her abuela’s loving guidance, she learns her potential is limitless.
Yamile Saied Méndez’s powerful, lyrical text and Kip Alizadeh’s colorful, stunning art are a radiant celebration of family, love, and community.
A Spanish-language edition, ¿Qué Serás?, is also available.
- A Kirkus Best Picture Book of the Year
- A Banks Street Best Children’s Books of the Year
- A Wisconsin State Reading Association’s 2022 Picture This Recommendation List
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in What Will You Be??
Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage poetry, anthologies, annuals > Children’s / Teenage: Poetry / poems
Where can I read a sample of What Will You Be??
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780062839954
Who is/are the Author/s of the book What Will You Be??
Yamile Saied Méndez
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
What Will You Be? is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780062839954) and ebook(ISBN 9780063089716)
Where can I buy What Will You Be? online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy What Will You Be? from below
Where can I buy What Will You Be??