Each Kindness
Written: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by: E. B. Lewis
Published by: Nancy Paulsen Books, 7th Print edition of Penguin Group 2 October 2012
Ages: 4 to 8 years.
Theme: Friendship, opportunity lost.
Opening Lines: That winter, snow fell on everything, turning the world a brilliant white. One morning, as we settled into our seats, the classroom door opened and the principal came in. She had a girl with her, and she said to us, This is Maya.
Synopsis: from Amazon;- Chloe and her friends won’t play with the new girl, Maya. Every time Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe’s teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship, and thinks about how much better it could have been if she’d shown a little kindness toward Maya.
Why I like this: Wow! Simplicity with a punch! Winner of a CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR and THE JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD! This award winning team have created an unforgettable book with a powerful message that will resonate with readers long after they’ve put it down. Packed full of life lessons we never know the full extent of damage done to Maya by the rejection of Chloe and her classmates as she eventually moves away. It is only when the teacher shows the class how a ripple effect of kindness can change the world does Chloe become aware of her own hurtful behavior. She is never able to make amends. Not a happy ever-after story but one that is sure to bring much discussion in classrooms regarding bullying, kindness, and empathy. The sentence – “Each kindness, makes the world a little bit better” couldn’t be truer. Just a smile, a hello, it doesn’t take much. Don’t lose that opportunity…
Resources/Findings: The story read aloud on youtube… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGKteT5KiSE
Love this teachers aid about random acts of kindness…. Such as a kindness act written on paper and each day pass one on to the next person. Or have a Kindness Day at school… https://www.pinterest.nz/pin/283445370270912662/?lp=true
I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view. So pop over and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books. Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Diane, this is one of my favorite books. Although, anything written by Jacqueline Woodson is a favorite. This one, Each Kindness, deeply touches the heart.
Yes it has a heartfelt message and one we should all learn from. Glad you liked the post.
I love this book. I think Jacqueline Woodson is one of my favorite authors.
Glad you like it Jilanne. Yes such a heartfelt story.
I love this book so much, and I can’t wait to read Woodson’s most recent PB.
I do too Joanna. Thanks for stopping by.
One of our all-time faves; students are riveted and can NOT believe the brilliant ending.
Yes quite a twist. It’s a lovely book. Thanks for stopping by.
I enjoy Woodson’s books. This title sounds powerful. I added it to my library list. Thanks.
Yes, I’m gonna have to get some of her other books out too. Thanks for stopping by.
Lovely! It’s a classic!
Thank you Andrea, yes it is. Nice to see you here.
One of my favorites, thanks for highlighting it.
Glad you love it. Thanks Sue.
One of my all time favorite Woodson picture books. Also love The Other Side. Glad to see you give them more book love as they deserve it in today’s world. So timely!
Thanks Pat. Glad you liked the post. Yes so timely.