I debated reviewing this book, but seeing as it is one in a series of four, and Nadia a hijab wearing girl of color, is included in them, I thought I should draw attention to these diverse books that teach moral lessons.  Over 24 pages this book for preschool to second graders focuses on inclusion and friendship.

The diverse group of classroom kids (skin color, hair color, body shapes, mobility) have different likes, and exclude Dee-Dee from joining in any of their clubs.  One group after another tell her no, even though she knows she is a good friend to all of them.

Dee-Dee decides she has to do something to change this and asks her teacher Ms. Crosby for some art supplies.  Curious as to what she needs them for, Dee-Dee lays out her plan and how her friends’ exclusion is making her feel.

Dee-Dee starts the Friendship club where all you have to do is sign up and treat others the way you would like to be treated.  You then pick a sign that has an attribute of being a good friend as a reminder or something to work on: be kind, show respect, care, etc.

Everyone realizes they were mean to Dee-Dee, apologizes and phew, the friends are all back together without anyone getting mad, or in trouble, but rather realizing their mistake fixing it and resolving to do better.  Great problem solving Dee-Dee!

I love that the group is so diverse.  Nadia, the Muslim girl excludes Dee-Dee too, and has to learn to include others.  I’m sure everyone will relate to feeling left out, or being the perpetrator of exclusion in the book and learn how to voice how it makes you feel, and how to not do it to others.

And yes Nadia probably doesn’t have to wear hijab, but alas, for reasons unknown to the reader she is wearing it, and is visibly showing her faith at a young age.