One of Us
Gr 1-3–When Roberta James arrives at Baker School, it's only natural for her to seek out other students with common interests. The only problem is that when she joins various groups of students who, say, wear their hair a particular way or play specific games on the playground, she finds that they tend to exclude anyone who isn't exactly like them. Roberta feels discouraged–it seems there are no groups who value individuality–until she is hailed by a table of kids eating pita roll-ups, and they proclaim their diverse interests with pride and acceptance. When Roberta itemizes some of her interests, expecting to be ousted yet again for not being the same, her newfound friends claim she is "perfect" because she is different from everyone else. This is a simple but powerful story about diversity, friendships, acceptance of others despite apparent differences, and the importance of being oneself. The bright, detailed illustrations, many of which abundantly fill two pages, include children whose facial expressions clearly reflect their distain or approval of others.Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID© Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.