Watch Kids' Reviews of
RAE'S FIRST DAY

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KIDS FIRST ALL STAR
Recommended age 5-12
Book
THE CAPABLES
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RAE
The theme of Rae's First Day is very appealing; it's about the inclusion of all people no matter how different they are. Everybody should read this book. Not only is it totally heartwarming, but it empowers people who have disabilities to be the very best they can be. We are all super in our own way. My favorite part of the book is when Rae uses her superpowers to save the day by clearing the rain so that recess could be held outside.

This book displays acceptance and embraces differences. The theme, the story, and the illustrations are extremely engaging for a young audience.

This book is an easy read. It has some slightly difficult vocabulary for younger readers but overall the story flows nicely, has great content and is somewhat suspenseful, which makes the reader wanting to read on. Not only is this a perfect book for younger readers, but it's also a great family read. Whether families are sitting around a table, the campfire, or lounging in a living room, this is a great book to share.

Rae's First Day models some of the very best characteristics. It is such a package deal for displaying courage, perseverance, kindness, acceptance and so much more within the many character interactions. There are many teachable moments. Problem-solving can be seen throughout the book. Rae's parents question the readiness of Rae starting school, the interaction she may have among her peers, and whether Rae will stay strong. Rae also questions her abilities to get through the day. Both Rae and her parents are able to problem solve by just trusting themselves. Negative thoughts ran through their heads, yet they problem-solved by simply facing the world head on. All ages can relate to having the courage to face any struggles. The concepts are exceptionally easy to follow. The vocabulary, for the most part, is easy to understand, although some terminology may be difficult for younger readers. For example, the words instance, daily affirmations, villainous and illumination are suitable for older readers.

The colorful, glossy pages and illustrations made me want to delve right in and read the book and I was super excited for the last page that reads, "...to be continued." I'm eager to read more about Rae and her capabilities!

Rae's First Day is highly educational and has great merit. In a world that can sometimes be very cruel, reading about Rae and how her difference makes her super is a must read for all ages. This book should perhaps land itself in classrooms around the globe as its value is priceless. I will be sharing this book on my social media accounts as it such a worthy book.

Like Rae, many children across the globe have disabilities which often affect them, both physically and socially. Rae's bravery needs to be shared with the world. Books such as this can only serve to make the world a better place.

I give Rae's First Day 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults, especially educators. It can be found now wherever books are sold.

By Dominic D., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Rae's First Day is a wonderful representation of kids with disabilities and how being different makes you super. Rae's First Day is the first story in the Capables series showing how differences not only make you unique (because if everyone was the same it would be boring), but how differences make you super. Make you special.

Rae is a five-year-old starting her first day of kindergarten and she is worried that all the kids will treat her differently. You see, Rae was born with only one bone in her right forearm while most kids are born with two. Because of this, Rae's right hand is shorter than her left and only has two fingers. But (as her dad says ALL THE TIME!), Rae is smart and strong and capable! Because she is capable; because she is different - unlike her limb difference that all can see - she has a superpower she's never shown anyone.

The Capables are a group of super-capable kid superheroes who all have a cape or super capability. That cape or superpower is activated through empowerment. The author, Danny Jordan, is following this cause because it hits home. His daughter Emerson Rose is just like Rae, a superhero in her own right who has an upper limb difference. Danny created The Capables to put children like his daughter in the hero role and also to encourage readers to be more understanding when it comes to disabilities and more inclusive. The illustrations are by Agustina Perciante and are beautiful and very accurate to the story. The book has lots of pictures with lots of color which definitely make the book engaging for young kids. There's even a word-search with one of the kids playing that readers can actually play. And the words --- smart, strong, unique, capable - all supports ideas related to the cause and message of the book such as, "Agustina possibly draws better than me." I think that this is an amazing educational, engaging and entertaining children's book with a focus on the inclusion of those with disabilities, which is a great cause that doesn't get enough attention. It's Danny's hope (and now mine too) that this book will turn into a series - one that strongly believes that being different is a superpower.

The message of this book is that different is super. It's a beautiful message we need to hear more often in our world today. The only thing I don't like is that Rae doesn't tell her parents about her superpower. She says maybe someday but now - no way. Keeping secrets from parents isn't the best message for young kids.

Rae's First Day is great and I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 8 (for younger kids, parents can read it aloud). It is available for purchase now at Amazon.com, the capables.com and other places where books are sold.

By Alma K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Rae's First Day is a must read for all ages that belongs in classrooms around world as it portrays positive outcomes for children that are different from others. This book has a beautiful message we need to hear more often. Rae's First Day describes how being different makes you awesome. I loved reading this book because it empowers people who have disabilities to be great.

The story follows five-year-old Rae who is starting her first day of kindergarten and is worried about how all the kids will treat her. Rae was born with only one bone in her right forearm. Because of this, Rae's right hand is shorter than her left and only has two fingers. Rae is smart and strong and capable! With her limb difference she has a superpower she's never knew before.

This book is suitable for the young audience because it is easy to read and has an educational message too. I love the content and the suspenseful events, which made me want to read more. The story displays courage, perseverance, kindness, acceptance and so much more. The concepts are easy to follow. The vocabulary, for the most part, is easy to understand as well. The book shows the characters' social interactions, especially when Rae explains her disability to her classmates. After doing that, she is able to make friends and prevent herself from being bullied. Like Rae, many children have disabilities which often affect them, both physically and socially. Rae's bravery is wonderful to share with the world, because books such as this can help others that don't yet believe in themselves.

The theme, the story and illustrations are all well executed. The colorful, glossy pages and illustrations make you want to delve right in and read. There are many teachable moments in this book. Problem-solving is shown throughout. Rae's parents question Rae's readiness to start school, any negative interaction she might have with her peers, and whether Rae can stay strong. Rae also questions her abilities to get through the day. Both Rae and her parents' problem solve by just trusting themselves. Negative thoughts ran through their heads, yet they problem-solved by simply facing the world.

The book's vocabulary is mostly suitable for a 5 to 8-year-old audience, but some language is too advanced for some 5-year-olds. For example, words such as daily affirmations and illumination may need to be defined for younger readers. This book is filled with beautiful artwork, almost like a graphic novel. The illustrations are by Agustina Perciante who keeps it accurate to the story. This book is very educational and has great merit. In a world that can sometimes be very cruel, reading about Rae and how her difference makes her a great student and child. The author created The Capables series to put children like his daughter in a heroic role and to encourage readers to be more understanding when it comes to those with disabilities. My favorite part is when Rae uses her superpowers to save the day for her classmates by clearing the rain outside for everyone to have recess.

The message of this book is about addressing your differences, explaining them to your friends and understanding if they don't comprehend. The only thing I don't like is that Rae doesn't tell her parents about her superpower. She says maybe someday but not now. Keeping secrets from parents isn't the best message for young kids.

I give Rae's First Day 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults, especially educators. It is available for purchase now at Amazon.com and other places where books are sold.

By Alma K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10

I really enjoyed Rae's First Day. The book is filled with beautiful artwork, almost like a graphic novel. My favorite part is when Rae explains her disability to her classmates and is able to make friends and to prevent herself from being bullied.

Rae's disability doesn't define the little girl she is. Rae's First Day is about inclusiveness of all people with disabilities. Rae shows her superpowers caused by her disability. This book is very informative and educational in showing that, despite our differences, we are capable of so much more.

A graphic novel, the first book in the Capable series, Rae's First Day was written by Danny Jordan and illustrated by Augustina Perciante. The story was inspired by Jordan's daughter who has the same disability as Rae. Rae is a five-year-old girl with an upper limb difference who is about to start her first day of school and is quite reluctant. When she gets to school with her parents, it is raining. She doesn't like it when her teacher touches her right arm because of her limb difference. When her teacher reaches for her arm, she backs away, not wanting to go into school. Rae explains to her classmates about her disability and they become friends. Lex is the only person that she shares her superpowers with. Rae uses her secret superpowers to turn the rainy day into a sunny day.

The message of the book is about addressing your differences, explaining them to your peers and understanding if they don't comprehend.

I give Rae's First Day 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. It is easy to understand for middle-school kids, but some language is too advanced for more 5-year-olds. It is available now where book are sold.

By Connie C., KIDS FIRST! Adult reviewer

Rae is like many five year olds with one BIG exception: she has a super-secret superpower. It's her 1st day of school & her classmates are in need. Will she keep her power hidden, or help her friends?
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