Ryan Respects (The Way I Act Books)
K-Gr. 2. In this title from the The Way I Act series, elementary-schooler Ryan learns how to be respectful of his friend Doug. Watercolor paintings show an idyllic neighborhood, but in every neighborhood there is always insensitive teasing. At school, the teasing happens following gym class, when Ryan calls out, "Doug the Slug," after Doug places last in a running race. At home, the teasing takes place between siblings. Ryan's older brother, Judd, calls him "Cryin' Ryan," because Ryan needs his toy rabbit to fall asleep. In both cases, a third party offers a not-so-subtle reminder to be more respectful. Ryan's friend Amy asks him to consider how he would feel if someone called him a name. Ryan's father reprimands Judd, who apologizes immediately, after which Ryan thinks he should apologize to Doug. He does the next day. Kroll's smooth text tells a strong story of children developing important social skills and then watching them pay off.Kathy BroderickCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved