You Can Be a Friend by Tony and Lauren Dungy is a wonderful book showing how to accept children who might look a little different than you. In this book, the Dungy's get new neighbors. When Hannah moves in, Jade is startled to see her in a wheelchair and does not want to be her friend. She instantly fears Hannah will not be able to play and do things like her other friends. Jade is encouraged by her family to give Hannah a chance. Jade struggles with inviting Hannah to her birthday party at the water park because she does not want worry about her. Jade asks her older brother for advice and in the end plans a birthday party at the zoo so that all of her friends will have a good time, including Hannah. The book closes with this thought "Sometimes we see people and we dont' think they'll be friendly or fun because of the way they look. We don't try to make friends with them because they are different. Jade almost made that mistake with Hannah because of her wheelchair." If this is the point you would like to get across to your 4 - 7 year old, this book is perfect. Everyone is different and this is what makes them so special. Tony and Lauren Dungy do a terrific job of showing us this through this great children's book.
Book image copied from http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=1416997717 .
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