This is not a book about race. It's about running your race, that is, living your life.

If there was one children’s book that I wish I wrote, this would be it. One of my all time favorites, a fantastic story with the most diverse illustrations which can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. It teaches kindness, empathy, compassion and open mindedness.
.
.
“Sometimes it’s better not to go fast.
There are beautiful sights to be seen when you are last.
Shouldn’t it be that you just try your best?
And that’s more important than beating the rest?

Shouldn’t it be looking back at the end
that you judge your own race by the help that you lend?” ( )

Is there really a human race?
Is it going on now all over the place?
When did it start?
Who said, "Ready, Set, Go"?
Did it start on my birthday?
I really must know.
With these questions, our hero's imagination is off and running. Is the human race an obstacle course? Is it a spirit? Does he get his own lane? Does he get his own coach?

Written with Jamie Lee Curtis's humor and heart, Is There Really a Human Race? Is all about relishing the journey and making good choices along the way - because how we live and how we love is how we learn to make the world a better place, one small step at a time.

Is There Really a Human Race? By: Jamie Lee Curtis

In my opinion, this is a very energetic and engaging book that provides the readers with an uplifting message. The combination of the words and illustrations throughout the book convey the main idea that although all humans encounter complications, when they come together as one they will be able to overcome these pressures and be successful. Overall, the big idea focuses on the importance of helping others. I like how the author incorporated simple, yet meaningful language. For example, Curtis asks, “if I get off track when I take the wrong turn, do I make my way back from mistakes? Do I learn” (17) This quote uses humor to give the readers a new perspective on their daily lives. Personally, I think the illustration on this page exhibit the positive impact one can have when working together and trying your best. The plot was well organized and used questions to emphasize life lessons. Overall, I felt that Curtis was clever with the rhymes and word choice she included throughout this book.

Through humor the author talks about what the human race is and about how we live. Leaning to enjoy life, make good choices, helping others, taking care of our world and being your best are some concepts the book covers. A great book to open up discussions with students. ( )