Book Description
Lila has just moved to a new town and can't wait to make friends at school. But on the first day, a boy points at her and shouts: “A crow! A crow! The new girl's hair is black like a crow!” The others whisper and laugh, and Lila's heart grows as heavy as a stone.
The next day, Lila covers her hair. But this time, the boy points at her dark skin. When she covers her face, he mocks her dark eyes. Now every day at school, Lila hides under her turtleneck, dark glasses, and hat. And every day when she goes home, she sees a crow who seems to want to tell her something. Lila ignores the bird and even throws rocks at it, but it won't go away.
Meanwhile, the great autumn festival is approaching. While the other kids prepare their costumes, Lila is sadder and lonelier than ever. At her lowest point of despair, a magical encounter with the crow opens Lila's eyes to the beauty of being different, and gives her the courage to proudly embrace her true self.
The next day, Lila covers her hair. But this time, the boy points at her dark skin. When she covers her face, he mocks her dark eyes. Now every day at school, Lila hides under her turtleneck, dark glasses, and hat. And every day when she goes home, she sees a crow who seems to want to tell her something. Lila ignores the bird and even throws rocks at it, but it won't go away.
Meanwhile, the great autumn festival is approaching. While the other kids prepare their costumes, Lila is sadder and lonelier than ever. At her lowest point of despair, a magical encounter with the crow opens Lila's eyes to the beauty of being different, and gives her the courage to proudly embrace her true self.
Review
I received an eARC copy of this book from the publisher. Here is my honest review.
I requested this book as I am always looking for books to use during our China/Asia theme, especially those that are based on culture or folklore. While this may be based on a folk story, it is not apparent.
The illustrations are lovely and the book addresses unkindness that students can show a newcomer along with the "mob mentality" that we can fall into. This book is a springboard to discussing with students how words can hurt and that bullying has power when we follow along instead of thinking for ourselves and standing up. As an educator, this book would certainly allow for discussion of text-to-self and text-to-world connections.
This book won the 2017 Skipping Stones Honor Award.
If you want a chapter book that explores how students can hurt a classmate, I encourage you to check out The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes.
The illustrations are lovely and the book addresses unkindness that students can show a newcomer along with the "mob mentality" that we can fall into. This book is a springboard to discussing with students how words can hurt and that bullying has power when we follow along instead of thinking for ourselves and standing up. As an educator, this book would certainly allow for discussion of text-to-self and text-to-world connections.
I gave this book: ★★★
★ = I did not like it ★★ = It was okay ★★★ = I liked it
★★★★ = I really liked it ★★★★★ = I loved it
Want to Know More?
This book won the 2017 Skipping Stones Honor Award.
If you want a chapter book that explores how students can hurt a classmate, I encourage you to check out The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes.
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