10,000 Dresses
Author: Marcus Ewert
Illustrator: Rex Ray
Grade/Age Level: Grades 3-5 (ages 8-11)
My Opinion:
"10,000 Dresses" is a beautifully crafted story about identity, self-expression, and acceptance. The protagonist, Bailey, dreams of wearing dresses that are as magical as they are imaginative, only to face misunderstanding from those closest to them. This heartfelt book encourages readers to embrace individuality and highlights the importance of being an ally. With its vibrant illustrations and empowering message, it’s a standout text for celebrating diversity and fostering empathy in young readers.
Curriculum Integration:
This book is perfect for lessons on self-expression and acceptance. It aligns well with units about identity and social-emotional learning (SEL). Here’s how you could use it:
- Classroom Activity: Ask students to design their dream outfit and write a short description of why it reflects their personality.
- Compare and Contrast: Pair it with Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love to discuss gender expression in children’s literature.
- Non-Diverse Substitution: Replace older, less inclusive texts about self-expression with 10,000 Dresses to provide modern, affirming representation.
If You Liked This, Try This:
- Sparkle Boy by Lesléa Newman
- Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
Drama
Author: Raina Telgemeier
Grade/Age Level: Grades 4-6 (ages 9-12)
My Opinion:
"Drama" is a heartfelt and engaging graphic novel that captures the trials and triumphs of middle school life through the lens of theater production. With Raina Telgemeier's trademark humor and charm, the book explores themes of friendship, unrequited love, and identity. It’s a relatable and enjoyable read that celebrates the diversity of experiences and relationships among young people. The colorful illustrations and relatable characters make it a hit with students.
Curriculum Integration:
This book is excellent for fostering discussions about teamwork, creativity, and interpersonal dynamics. Here are some ideas for integrating it into the curriculum:
- Thematic Discussion: Use it to introduce the concept of identity and relationships in a SEL lesson.
- Arts Integration: Pair it with a drama or theater unit and encourage students to design their own stage production, inspired by the book’s creative process.
- Non-Diverse Substitution: Replace older texts that lack inclusive narratives about relationships and friendship with Drama, which portrays LGBTQ+ characters and themes in a positive, age-appropriate way.
If You Liked This, Try This:
- Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham
- Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
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Conclusion:
Both 10,000 Dresses and Drama celebrate individuality, creativity, and the courage to be yourself, but they do so in distinct ways. While 10,000 Dresses uses the power of dreams and imagination to champion self-expression and identity, Drama explores the complexities of relationships and teamwork in a theater setting. Both books are vibrant, inclusive, and empowering, making them essential reads for fostering empathy and understanding in young readers.
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