One of Us Peggy Moss Illustrated by Penny Weber Hardcover, $16.95, ISBN 978-0-88448-322-9 9 x 10, 32 pages, color illustrations Children; Grades 2-6

Camellia Award, 2011-12
—Alabama Department of Education

Best Book, Language Arts, Picture Books, 2010
—Society of School Librarians International

". . . Roberta negotiates the different groups of her new school till she finds the kids who defy easy categorization and realizes that she fits in just fine. . . . Weber's sunny illustrations show a dazzling array of children—all different hues, physical abilities, and even, if you look closely, a girl with a headscarf."
—Kirkus Reviews

"The familiar story of a new kid's struggle to fit in at a school gets a wry twist in this lively picture book. . . . The story's message of diversity comes when Anna, who likes baseball, the trumpet, car racing, and ballet, tells Roberta, 'You are one of us' precisely because each one of Anna's group is different."
—Booklist

"With humor and heart, One of Us explores the stress of peer pressure and what is truly lost when we try to fit in. Its simple, powerful message: true friends respect what makes you who you are. This is a terrific conversation starter for parents and teachers, and a must-read for kids."
—Rachel Simmons, author of Odd Girl Out and The Curse of the Good Girl

"Truth sings off every page of this plucky picture book. With its generous heart and lively illustrations, One of Us is easily one of my favorites."
—Carrie Jones, author of Need and Love (and Other Uses for Duct Tape)

"Classifying is an important elementary school skill, but when it comes to people, emphasizing one label over another can separate instead of connect. We long for our children to see that celebrating and accepting uniqueness is a key to building unity. With joyful, vibrant illustrations and a brilliantly understated message, One of Us is the perfect read aloud for families and classrooms who care about diversity."
—Mitali Perkins, author of Bamboo People and Secret Keeper

"One of Us is truly a timely book in this age of diversity. As the new girl on her first day in a new school, Roberta longs to find a group of friends who are like her. But the truth is she is too unique to fit in. She learns to celebrate her complex tastes and individuality and ultimately finds a group of kids—way more interesting than any of those who are trying to fit in. This story teaches kids the important lesson of being true to yourself."
—Kim Baise, Illustrator and Art Director for Bees Knees Books

"You are one of us," Carmen tells Roberta on her first day at a new school. Roberta gladly sits with the rest of the straight-up-hair girls—until she hears they don't play on the monkey bars. Roberta loves the monkey bars and leaps at the chance to swing with the monkey-bar posse, until she hears they don't carry flowered lunch boxes like she does. Roberta moves from group to group, just trying to be herself, until it seems she doesn't fit in anywhere. Then Roberta discovers some kids just like her-everyone's different and they like it that way!

Peggy Moss, author of Say Something and Our Friendship Rules, worked as an assistant attorney general in Maine in the civil rights unit and as associate director of the Center for the Prevention of Hate Violence. Peggy now works with schools to prevent bullying and teasing. She has provided workshops to students and teachers from kindergarten to the college level in Maine, Tennessee, Toronto, and points in between, helping students and educators create school environments that feel safe for everyone. A freelance writer, Peggy lives in Toronto with her husband and two daughters. For more about Peggy: www.twitter.com/be_you_join_us, www.facebook.com/beyoujoinus

Penny Weber has worked as a mural painter, greeting-card illustrator, and portrait artist. Her children's books include On My Way to School, written by the children of Tanzania and published by First Person Publishing, and Amazingly Wonderful Things, to be released in early 2011 by Raven Tree Press. Penny lives on Long Island in New York with her husband and three children and their cat Tiger. For more about Penny: www.pennyweberart.com, pennyweber.blogspot.com, www.twitter.com/be_you_join_us, www.facebook.com/beyoujoinus

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