Fitting In

PreS--A book about a square who doesn't feel as if they fit into a world of circles. In a universe of happy circles, a square child is born to one couple, and they add extra padding to make Square a circle. Square still feels left out. Eventually, Square finds that almost every circle is really a different shape underneath and that thanks to Square, all of them can finally admit it. They become a community that welcomes all shapes, and everyone fits in. The illustrations are brightly colored and emotive, making the shapes easy to relate to despite not being human. The circles are a cool blue while Square is a warm red, a color choice that makes the "problem" even more obvious. This book would be a great addition to any SEL collection, as readers follow Square's journey from feeling different to a community that accepts them for who they are. VERDICT Readers feeling like they don't fit in will connect strongly with Square; teachers and students alike will find Square's journey endearing and enjoyable.--Jennifer Ritzie

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

What a celebration of self! Aoki and Olson tell a beautiful story in word and art that will help readers of any age see they are beautiful just the way they are! Be you circle, square, or even octagonal, Fitting In is a celebration of standing out! Bravo! —Andrew Levitt / Nina West, American drag queen, host of Storytime with Nina, actor, activist, contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race (2019), and winner of Miss Congeniality

Accepting and becoming yourself is at the heart of all heroes' journeys, and has probably been a theme in stories since, well, since there have been stories. And yet, Haruka and John, with deep simplicity and sweet, poppy artwork, have spun some entirely new and fresh gold from this timeless straw. Fitting In is a heartwarming and joyous book, and I found myself cheering along with the characters as I finished the story.
—David Soman, New York Times bestselling co-creator of the Ladybug Girl series with his wife Jacky Davis

With humor, warmth, and joy, Fitting In is a book that will give kids a message of hope that self-acceptance, connections with others, and our differences make us simply more human than not. For parents, a firm and light reminder that our children simply DO NOT fit into our circles; they need their own sandboxes to play in. —Brian C. Jo, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Columbia University; Parent to a 6-Year-Old Daughter

A beautifully illustrated, thoughtful, and playful story about what it means to let go of our social conditioning, become who we are, and give others permission to do the same. —Majo Molfino, author of Break the Good Girl Myth

We spend our lives in pursuit of 'fitting in.' We forget that it is our inside looking at the other's outside! Wonderful book by Haruka Aoki and John Olson exploring psychological impact of finding self identity. —Nidhi Goel, MD, Psychiatrist

Everyone can relate to the struggles of trying to fit in. Haruka and John's friendly shape characters make great companions in this bright, heartfelt story about finally learning to let your light shine. —Vida Rose, Artist and Creator of @Comics_and_Selfcare

Fitting In shares a wonderful and empowering message for all children struggling to understand themselves and the world around them! With it's whimsical and inviting illustrations, it gently validates the loneliness that many kids feel while highlighting the happiness and connection that comes by embracing our unique qualities. Through it's fantastic metaphor of living in a world of circles, it can help both kids and parents discuss their feelings and find their own shape! —Casey O'Brien, PsyD, Columbia University

Fitting In should be part of every child's book collection and every adult's too. It is a good reminder that no one really 'fits in' and to be true to ourselves. —Lisanna Wallance, author of The Natural Witch's Cookbook
—Lisanna Wallance, author of The Natural Witch's Cookbook

A magical book for children, along with the adults in their life, highlighting accidental courage and the celebration and freedom of not fitting in. It will be sure to spark conversations about self-acceptance, uniqueness, and the transcendent qualities of truly fitting based on our humanness. This book will foster the opportunity to teach children and their caregivers to celebrate what's different about each of us. —Jonathan Liss, PhD, Columbia University

What a fun, colorful book with a powerful message: be yourself. —Hannah Wnorowski, creator of The Deck of Character 

This children's book contains powerful therapeutic messages for all children and adults alike. Everyone, regardless of who you are, is invited to Haruka & John's colorful, warm, loving world. Start reading, and begin embracing just who you are! — Yuko Parris, LMHC Psychotherapist