This book does a great job at touching on important subjects such as social class and economic status. Maya is made fun of because of the second hand clothes she wears. It is very important for young readers to be aware that not all children are financially well off, and it is not appropriate to judge them or make fun of their economic status. Multicultural books can serve as a tool to fight judgmental behavior, and Each Kindness does a great job at doing this. At the end of the book Chloe reflects on how her and her friend’s actions negatively impacted Maya emotional well-being. Chloe realizes too late she has missed the chance to extend kindness to Maya. This aspect of the book motivates young readers to reflect on their own actions and how they have treated their peers. It serves as a message for children to always remember to offer kindness, and avoid any judgmental or bullying behavior because showing kindness goes a long way.The book is told through the point of view of Chloe, a young child herself, it gives the book a unique quality and perspective that is relatable to any young child who read this. They style of the writing is simple yet powerful. It is written in a manner that allows the audience to emotionally connect with the text. This book is full of longevity in the aspect that the content is very relevant now and will be relevant in the future as well. The topic that this book touches on is universal and can be applied in all classrooms through the years. The societal issue of bullying is something that is present in each generation, so this book offers enduring quality and value for all young readers of the past, present, and future. Classroom activity: A great classroom activity for this book can be to use it when there is going to a new student to the classroom. It is important for students to be aware of the harm they can cause on another child. Each Kindness is a story about two young girls named Maya and Chloe. Maya is a new student, who is immediately judged by her ragged appearance. Time after time she reaches out to Chloe for friendship; yet, Chloe consistently whispers, ignores, and snickers at her in return. Ms. Albert, the girls’ teacher, intervenes by teaching a lesson on kindness. She emphasizes that even small acts of kindness ripple out into the world. Chloe begins to rethink her actions. Ultimately she decides that she will treat Maya differently the next day. Unfortunately, this day never comes. Maya is never at school again. Chloe finally realizes the value of kindness and the weight of regret. I absolutely adore this book. It is a great text for all age groups due to its message of empathy and kindness. I love the embedded message of acting in the moment and seizing an opportunity when it exists. Although the book ends sadly, I think it portrays the harsh reality that not all stories have a happy “picture-perfect” ending. In summary, this would be a great text for building classroom community at the beginning of the school year. It would also fit nicely into a unit on identifying significant themes. Lastly, it could be very powerful when intervening with students who are hurtful or ruthless to one another.
What do You think about Each Kindness (2012)?
EXCELLENT BOOK FOR KINDNESS, FRIENDSHIP AND BULLYING LESSONS.
—Bvbarmy6
Great story to teach acceptance and missed opportunities.
—Jaya
