When Charley goes to the playground and sees Emma, a girl with limb differences who uses a wheelchair, he does not know how to react. But after he and Emma begin talking, he learns that different isn’t bad, sad, or strange – different is different and different is great! This delightful book will help readers think about disability, kindness, and how to behave when they meet someone who is different from them.
Discussion Questions
- How did Charley feel when he first saw Emma? → Why do you think he reacted the way he did, and what helped him change?
- Emma says, “Different isn’t weird, sad, bad, or strange. Different is different. And different is OK!” → What does this mean to you? Can you think of a time when you felt different?
- How did Charley show kindness and acceptance toward Emma after they talked? → What can we learn from his actions?
- Why is it important to ask questions respectfully when we’re curious about someone’s differences?→ How can we make sure our curiosity is kind?
- What are some ways we can make sure everyone feels included, no matter how they look or move or communicate?
- If you were with Charley and Emma at the park, what would you say or do to make both of them feel welcome?
Activities
- Different is OK Art Collage: Using magazines, colored paper, markers, and glue, create a collage showing people with different abilities, appearances, and interests. Display the collages with the message “Different is OK!”
- Kindness Journal: Encourage everyone in your class or family to keep a kindness journal for a week. Write or draw one kind thing they did each day, especially if it helped someone feel included or accepted. If you’d like, share your entries at the end of the week!