Chrysanthemum

Growing up, "Chrysanthemum" By Kevin Henkes, was another bed time story book read to me by my mother. It's one of her favorites, so much so that she would always tease that she almost named me Chrysanthemum!

I love this book on so many levels! Of course there is the self acceptance angle that Chrysanthemum gains. There is also the stop bullying angle that is so important for all children and adults a like to take to heart, but there is also another angle that I thought of during a resent read-a- loud session.

In the book, Chrysanthemum is being teased because her name is so different than all the other kids at school. She doesn't want to go back to school because of this, which I see all the time being a teacher. By the end of the book, Chrysanthemum loves her name because a TEACHER made it cool. The music teacher, Delphinium Twinkle, defuses the situation and makes Chrysanthemum feel validated about her unique name. This teacher also helped the mean girls understand that what they were doing wasn't appropriate without making them feel bad about themselves.

Sorry for the ramble moment. I just thought that was great insight not only as an adult but also as a first year teacher next year.

Barnes and Noble has it for about $6 in paperback and Amazon has it for $5 used in good condition. I'm sure your local library would have it too! This book is truly a classic. 

Now, go and READ!!