“When Roberta James arrives at Baker School, it’s only natural for her to seek out other students with common interests. The only problem is that when she joins various groups of students who, say,wear their hair a particular way or play specific games on the playground, she finds that they tend to exclude anyone who isn’t exactly like them. Roberta feels discouraged–it seems there are no groups who value individuality–until she is hailed by a table of kids eating pita roll-ups, and they proclaim their diverse interests with pride and acceptance. When Roberta itemizes some of her interests, expecting to be ousted yet again for not being the same, her newfound friends claim she is “perfect” because she is different from everyone else. This is a simple but powerful story about diversity, friendships, acceptance of others despite apparent differences, and the importance of being oneself. The bright, detailed illustrations, many of which abundantly fill two pages, include children whose facial expressions clearly reflect their distain or approval of others.” -Maggie Chase, Boise State University, Library School Journal: Gr 1-3
“The familiar story of a new kid’s struggle to fit in at school gets a wry twist in this lively picture book, and many kids will recognize the dramatic scenarios from classroom to playground to cafeteria. Roberta receives a warm welcome from Carmen and her friends, who do their hair like Roberta does. “You are one of us,” they tell her. But they turn away when she runs toward the monkey bars: they don’t play on the playground. The monkey-bar kids invite her to their lunch table, but then they see her daisy lunchbox. Other kids with flowered lunchboxes wave her over, but then they make fun of her pita roll-up, so she joins the table full of kids with pita roll-ups, but they all wear cowboy boots and she still feel left out. The contrasts between the smiley welcomes and the scowling stand-offs in the bright double-page spreads dramatize the cliques in action. 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.” -Hazel Rochman, Booklist Preschool-Grade 2
“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
