PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: Maybe Just Ask Me! by Katie Mazeika
ABOUT THE BOOK
Mazie wears an eyepatch and a head scarf, and on her first day at a new school she’s prepared for her classmates to wonder why. And they do, but no one talks to her about it. Instead, wild rumors fly around the classroom that she’s a pirate or a dragon burned off her hair! Mazie doesn’t mind explaining her disability, but can she find the courage to tell the other kids to just ask her?
REVIEW
Maybe Just Ask Me! is a very important book. With a deft touch, the author presents some gentle advice about how to act around those who are different than ourselves. Mazie arrives for her first day at a new school wearing a scarf and an eyepatch. She looks forward to making new friends. But the other students don't know how to act around her and instead of greeting her warmly, they speculate behind her back about why she wears the scarf and eyepatch. The stories they come up with are clearly ridiculous but it highlights the problem of making assumptions about others. Mazie gets frustrated with the way she is treated and finally steps up to suggest that the other students just ask her if they have questions. I appreciated how genuine the story feels, probably because it is based on the author's own experiences. The inclusion of a picture of the author as a child is a great addition. The story doesn't feel didactic at all, it reads very directly and sincerely. The illustrations are appealing and eye-catching and kids will be drawn to them. The book opens the door to having important discussions at home or at school about how to act around those who are different. Back matter includes suggestions from the author about how to be supportive of those with differences. A great book all around.
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CURRICULUM GUIDE
Visit Teaching Books here for the curriculum guide. It's excellent!
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