Molly Ruttan

The lure of the shiny object...

Eliza Jane Murphy, all-around good girl, becomes a thief when she can't resist a sparkly green stone in her classroom's "exploring green" display. Wracked with guilt, she asks her family members if they've ever stolen anything, and elicits a few confessions (they then join her on the WANTED poster in her mind). Eliza knows what she has to do, and when she returns the green stone to her teacher the next day, her teacher tells her she is brave!

"Then I show more realized.
Nobody is JUST a thief.
Everyone is a lot of things!"

Illustrations and text are perfectly matched telling this story of thievery, guilt, and setting things right.

See also: Penny and Her Marble by Kevin Henkes show less

"I Am a Thief" is an adorable book about what happens when you take something that doesn't belong to you. The author and illustrator do an amazing job describing and visualizing the guilt, anxiety, and depression that comes with doing something wrong. Every child breaks rules at some point. It's part of growing up. This book encourages children to be brave enough to admit they were wrong and find a way to fix it. The illustrations are funny and endearing and the message hits home with a show more light, humorous touch. Well done! This will be added to our collection. show less

Great book! Common element in most childhoods, this treats the subject in a reasonable manner.

Independent Reading Level: Grades 3-4