It’s Okay to Be Different
Author: Todd Parr
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Copyright: 2001
Pages: 30
Reading Level: 1.5
Genre: Self esteem & Individuality Fiction
Rating: ****

Summary:
A book all about it being okay to be different…it is okay: to be missing a tooth, to be different sizes, to need help, to have a different nose, to be different colors, to wear glasses, to have feelings, to say no, to spill, to be embarrassed, to dance, to come in last, to be to have different moms and dads, to be adopted, to be nice, to lose mittens, to get mad, to do something for yourself, to have different kinds of friends, to make a wish. It’s okay to be different; we are all different and all special and important because we are us! IT’S OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT!

Who would benefit from reading this?
All kids should read this book or one like it. It shows kids that we may be different and no one is the same and we have feelings and mess up and more, but that is it is okay. We are each special and important.

Potential problems/conflicts:
The only problems would be if kids don’t have a book like this one read to them.

My reaction:
I loved the message of this book. It was a quick read and had fun pictures for kids, and of course none of the pictures were standard pictures either. It not only shows kids its okay to be different, but some of the differences out there. I think it is great to read kids books like this from a young age so the learn it is okay to be different; we are all special and unique.