Can We Get Along?: Dealing with Differences

Children's Literature - Christine Cassello

Kalil was making fun of Kaitlin, making her angry. She began to shout names back and the other children on the playground starting urging them to fight; but neither of the girls wanted to do that. Both of them were scared and wondered how they could avoid a fight. That is the situation which opens this book. The author then introduces himself as Slim Goodbody, an illustrated character with a transparent body that he uses to teach good medical practices; but in the "Slim Goodbody's Life Skills 101" series he tells children how to get along with one another. This book addresses the issues of difference. He begins by showing differences between people, the countries they are born in, the languages they speak, what king of families they come from, their customs, what religion they practice, the color of skin and why that is different, and our physical and mental differences. Then he gives rules to follow. Step one is understanding that humans view things differently due to the above factors. Step two is deciding what is more important, proving that one's way is right or getting along. Step three is making rules that all can agree on. Step four is listening and learning from the other person and Step five is explaining how you feel about things. The last one is finding a goal that all can work on together. At the back of the book there is a glossary, and a list of books and web sites for further information. Reviewer: Christine Cassello