Independent Reading Level: Grades 3-5
Awards: ALSC Notable Children's Books, 1995-2024 commended 1999, and CCBC Choices, Selection 1998.

Independent Reading Level: Grades 3-5
Awards: ALSC Notable Children's Books, 1995-2024 commended 1999, and CCBC Choices, Selection 1998.

Independent reading level: Grades 2-5
Awards: Kurt Maschler Award, 1998

The way the book is designed and the art in it are great. The writing was a bit choppy. However, once you get passed that, it is a great book on different perspectives. I wouldn't read it to a classroom because of a word in it (it's a British word) that can be taken in the wrong light. I would read it to my own (future) children and approach the word with caution and clarity. ( )

The story shows four points of view by following a sequence of events where two different
families with different socioeconomic backgrounds meet at the park. The boy is struggling with a
restricted environment that doesn’t allow him to express himself and feel free. His voice is
being oppressed by the limits of his mother. However the little girl from a lower socio economic class does have more individual freedom including a voice. A good book to teach students that just because someone is socioeconomically advantaged, it doesn't necessary mean that they are not being oppressed, and conversely, being poor doesn't necessarily mean that you do not have freedom. A good book for making students think more critically, and compassionately about societal roles. ( )