Being different is not wrong

Representing children’s inferiority feelings in The Day You Begin (2018) by Jacqueline Woodson

Authors

  • Nieta Mirzarachma Hermawan Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
  • Marsya Lintang Al Fatih Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
  • Mia Fitria Agustina Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
  • Ririn Kurnia Trisnawati Universitas Jenderal Soedirman

Keywords:

Alfred Adler, Children, inferioty Feelings, Picture Book, Self Acceptance

Abstract

This study aims to examine the representation of children’s feelings of inferiority in the picture book The Day You Begin (2018) by Jacqueline Woodson and to explore how these feelings develop into self-acceptance. The study applies Alfred Adler’s theory of inferiority feelings, which explains that feelings of inferiority arise through social comparison but can also motivate individuals toward personal growth and compensation. Adopting a qualitative literary analysis, this research employs close reading and thematic interpretation of the picture book’s verbal narratives and illustrations to examine children’s emotional experiences. The findings reveal that children’s feelings of inferiority, primarily caused by differences in appearance, language, culture, food, and personal experiences, manifest in insecurity, fear of negative evaluation, social withdrawal, and hesitation to express themselves, while these emotional struggles are gradually transformed into self-acceptance through the courage to share personal experiences and supportive social interactions that foster confidence and a sense of belonging. This study contributes to the existing discussion on children’s literature by demonstrating how picture books can meaningfully represent children’s emotional development and the process of overcoming feelings of inferiority. It also highlights the role of storytelling in promoting empathy, inclusion, and appreciation of diversity, thereby enriching literary studies on children’s emotional experiences and identity formation.

Author Biographies

Nieta Mirzarachma Hermawan, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman

Nieta Mirzarachma Hermawan is an undergraduate student of English Literature at Universitas Jenderal Soedirman. Her academic interests include children’s literature, literary psychology, and identity studies. Her research explores how identity, emotions, and social experiences are represented across various narrative forms, including picture books, novels, films, and graphic narratives. She is especially interested in examining themes of self-acceptance, belonging, and psychological development through interdisciplinary literary approaches. 

Marsya Lintang Al Fatih, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman

Marsya Lintang Al Fatih is an undergraduate student of English Literature at Universitas Jenderal Soedirman. Her academic interests include children’s literature, literary psychology, and cultural studies. Her research focuses on the representation of emotions, identity, and social issues in literary and visual texts, particularly picture books, music videos, films, and song lyrics. She is especially interested in exploring themes of self-acceptance, belonging, interpersonal relationships, and gender studies through literary and interdisciplinary approaches.

Mia Fitria Agustina, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman

Mia Fitria Agustina holds an S.S. in English Literature from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, and an M.A. in American Study from Universitas Gadjah Mada. Since 2009, she has taught in English Literature Study Program in Universitas Jenderal Soedirman. Her research interests include literary criticism, children’s literature, and literary literacies.

Ririn Kurnia Trisnawati, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman

Ririn Kurnia Trisnawati is a lecturer at Department of English Language and Literature, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman. Her research interests are reader-response studies, postcolonial literature, noir genre, and Southeast Asian Literature in English.

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Published

2026-09-28

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 02 (2026): December 2026

Section

Articles

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