Each Kindness
Jacqueline Woodson, Author
E. B. Lewis, Illustrator
Nancy Paulsen Books, Fiction, 2012
Suitable for Ages: 4 -8
Themes: Acceptance, Kindness, Friendship
Opening: 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.” Maya looked down at the floor. I think I heard her whisper Hello.
Synopsis: When Chloe first meets Maya, she notices her clothes are old and tattered and the strap on one of her shoes is broken. The teacher assigns Maya to sit next to Chloe. Maya manages to smile and say hello, but Chloe turns and looks out the window. Chloe and her friends play and eat lunch together, but ignore Maya’s attempts to join them. Whenever Mayas asks to play with the other girls, they say no. Then one day Maya’s seat is empty. After their teacher talks about kindness and its ripple effect, Chloe realizes that she and her friends have been wrong in their treatment of Maya. Is it to late?
Why I like this book: I am a Jacqueline Woodson fan. She takes on relevant subjects for children, like kindness. Her text is lyrical. Each Kindness is a story that will stay with a child. I am pleased there is no tidy ending in this story. Maya is gone. Chloe is left to think about her actions and how she lost an opportunity to make things right with Maya. The soft watercolor illustrations by E.B. Lewis really set the tone for the book and convey a lot of emotion. The last illustration is priceless and beautifully expresses Chloe’s sadness and feeling of loss. A beautiful collaboration between Woodson and Lewis. I also reviewed another book they collaborated on The Other Side.
Resources: This is a great discussion book for the classroom. It focuses on the ripple effect of our actions towards others. Visit Jacqueline Woodson at her website and learn more.
Awards: Coretta Scott King Honor Book, 2013 Jane Addams Peace Award, 2013 Charlotte Zolotow Award, Best Book of 2012 – School Library Journal
Children's Books Heal 
This is a perfect book to begin the school year and character Ed in the classroom. Thank you, Pat.
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Thanks for stopping Toni. This would be a perfect book to start the new school year. It sets the stage for how kids treat each other.
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This looks/sounds like a gentle book. A story many can relate to, and take to heart.
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Ruth, it is a beautiful book with a very subtle message that kids need to hear and take to heart.
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That sounds like a great book to teach a lesson to kids. I’m glad it didn’t have a happy ending too.
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Yes, I think the ending was important. Chloe really feels badly how she treated Maya. Now Maya is gone and she can’t apologize. She’s left with her regrets and thoughts about what she will do in the future.
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This is an important and memorable book. I am so glad my children’s elementary school has used it in their classrooms to talk about friendship and kindness.
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Yes, I would call it memborable book. Glad to hear that your children’s school used the book. Great way to start the new school year too. Teachers could really be creative with the book and use it as a reminder. Liked the untidy ending.
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I like the message that there aren’t always happy endings and you really have to think about your actions. It’s also interesting how the main character is being the bully. E.B. Lewis is an awesome illustrator. I bet the illustrations are great.
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Erik, it’s sad Chloe has to learn such a tough lesson, but her choices led her to this place. I’m not sure I’d call her a bully, just a girl who doesn’t know how to deal with someone who looks homeless or transient. I agree, I love E.B. Lewis is awesome. His illustrations look so summer like, that I thought it a good day to share it as school begins.
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Beautiful cover. The author’s name rang a bell, but when I looked her up, I couldn’t remember having read any of her books before. She’s on my radar now. I’ll have to pick one up.
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E.B. Lewis is a faulous illustrator. I’ve reviewed a number of Woodson’s books. “The Other Side” has a very similar feel to is with the illustrations. I love her work.
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Just reading the review is emotional. This sounds like a really powerful book. Wow! Great for classroom talks.
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It is a powerful book and an important book for teachers to use regularly with students.
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I forwarded your blog to E.B. Lewis who is a friend of mine. Your column is so wonderful
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Thank you so much Lea. I love his illustrations! I also reviewed “The Other Side” and other books he’s illustrated.
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Lovely story, lovely blog. I still don’t have my computer back, so I am late responding. Kindness is something we all need right now! It is so important to teach this to our children.
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Niamh, you would love this story and Woodson’s other books. E.B. White illustrates another one I reviewed called the “Other Side.” Her work book is important.
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I love the messages conveyed in this beautiful book. Thankyou for sharing it, Pat.
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Yes, it is a powerful message for children. And, the book is beautiful!
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