I thought the story and the illustrations were adorable. ( )

My favorite thing about this book is how realistic it is and the moms behavior. I love that the book starts with the mom reminding in a way what different is and that it's okay. This book is also realistic because in reality a child could blurt out like Charley and have to apologize and start over. AS a person who grew up around a person with a disability, I can attest that Emma's perspective is real about how she doesn't like when people stare and whisper but will answer your questions if you ask them politely. After talking to Emma he realizes how similar they are and that even though she's more different and different in a different way that it is still okay. I think this book would be perfect for younger age groups because it's important to show that different is Okay as soon as possible. ( )

I love this book! I would definitely read this book to the children because this book teaches a lesson. This story is about Charley, who notices a girl while walking to the park. The young girl is Emma, she is sitting in a wheelchair, and she has no hands. Charley asks his mom why she looked so "weird." He realized that what he said made Emma so sad. Charley's mom had to remind him that, "different isn't sad, bad, or strange." Different is just different. Different is ok! Charley apologized to Emma, and she forgives him. Emma doesn't like it when people use cruel words, but she doesn't mind if he wants to ask questions. Charley believes, even though Emma is different, they both are the same. They both did everything together and became friends. Charley soon realized that being different is amazing. I believe the theme is acceptance because Charley finally accepts Emma's differences. ( )

Different is different. It's not weird or sad or bad or strange. It's just different. Charley's mom teaches this to Charley. Even though he understands it, he forgets what he has been taught when he meets Emma at the playground. Emma looks different. She has no hands. Charley tries to ponder what happened to Emma's hands. He asks his mother what is she so different, embarrassing Emma as she overhears what Charley said. Emma lets Charley know that it is not polite to point, whisper, or stare...but that she is open to any questions he may have. They talk, then they swing, they play, and then they draw. Charley quickly finds out that just as different as they are, they are more the same than ever. ( )