Being Indy written by Zoe Gaetjens, illustrated by Estee Sarsfield and published by WestWords is a perfect picture book for exploring friendship green flags and red flags. It reads like a modern-day fable, gently reminding readers that true belonging never requires changing who you are to be accepted.
This story is set on “no finer place”, the mountain. The mountain is highly sought after, admired for its exclusivity and considered a very desirable place to live. Percival, the rule‑maker and rule‑keeper, enforces strict criteria for anyone wishing to live there. He deems the rules necessary to ensure order, harmony and peace. Each of the people approved to live on the mountain must look a certain way and no colour is permitted. The mountain is a homogeneous place where difference is discouraged and feared.
Indy and many others watch the children who are “lucky enough” to be accepted on the mountain. From outside, they peer into this intriguing, seemingly perfect world, drawn to its inviting playground and sense of belonging. The astute reader will notice the striking contrast, the world outside the mountain is full of colour and vibrancy, while life on the mountain is black and white. The use of colour serves as a powerful metaphor. The colour represents richness, diversity and possibility, while the mountains black and white colour palette reflects rigid, binary thinking and homogeneity.
Indy knows that she does not meet any of Percival’s rules, yet she longs to be part of the group of children on the mountain. Determined to belong, Indy must get very creative and is inventive in disguising her true appearance to conform to gain Percival’s approval to be accepted.
Indy makes her way to the bridge where Percival scrutinises her. Once satisfied that she meets his strict criteria, he silently waves her across. There is no warmth, no fanfare, just entry into an exclusive world under Percival’s control and constant surveillance. Initially, Indy feels a sense of relief and peace as she blends in.
The illusion doesn’t last. Part of Indy’s disguise draws attention to the fact that she is breaking the rules. She finds herself in a conundrum, she is caught between her desire to remain on the mountain and her instinct to do what is right. She follows her heart and acts to protect another (in this case a red bird). Her actions result in her exposing who she really is.
Percival is furious and yells at Indy to leave. Before everyone’s eyes, more of Indy’s disguise fails, revealing her true appearance. It is in this vulnerable moment that another child declares that they then must leave too. This courageous action sparks a ripple effect with more children choosing to stand beside Indy. It is a powerful moment of solidarity and collective courage.
One by one, the children reveal their true identities and discover the freedom that comes with expressing who they really are. Percival braces for tensions to rise, but they don’t. Instead, the community transforms, tolerance, happiness, acceptance and a strong sense of belonging flourish. Percival is welcomed into this diverse group.
For younger readers, this story offers a gentle way to explore friendship green flags, such as being able to be yourself, feeling equal within a group and knowing it’s okay to hold different opinions. It also highlights red flags, including situations where you feel pressured to change who you are, or aren’t allowed to think differently. Older readers can use the text to make deeper connections to their own experiences, reflecting on what it means to belong, how groups form and who or what determines the rules of inclusion.
Being Indy with its powerful message, invites readers of all ages to reflect on the value of diversity, the importance of standing in solidarity with others and the freedom that comes from embracing who we really are. This modern-day fable is a valuable addition to any classroom or home library, offering both a compelling story and a thoughtful springboard for discussions about belonging, inclusion, empathy and community.