ONE OF US
by Peggy Moss & illustrated by Penny Weber
Roberta is new in school. The principal greets her, saying she is going to fit right in. Upon arriving in her new classroom, she joins the group of girls with snappy hairstyles when Carmen says, “Sit here. You are one of us.” But things seem to go downhill when the girls with the cool hair inform her that they do not play on the playground, so she now finds allegiance with the kids on the monkey bars. And so it goes, as Roberta negotiates the different groups of her new school till she finds the kids who defy easy categorization and realizes that she fits in just fine. Appropriately for a feel-good book aimed at use in the classroom and as bibliotherapy, Weber’s sunny illustrations show a dazzling array of children—all different hues, physical abilities and even, if you look closely, a girl with a headscarf. Made strictly for teaching, this is not a book that a child will pull off the shelf, but the story of a new student finding her place will lead to fine classroom discussions. (Picture book. 5-8)