FICTION

The Smallest Spot of a Dot: The Little Ways We’re Different, The Big Ways We’re the Same

by Linsey Davis (text) & illus. by Lucy Fleming
Zonderkidz. Jan. 2023. 32p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780310748809.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3–With a message celebrating our differences and our sameness, this title for young readers starts with a dot. Each dot represents a gene. Readers are told that we are all made of billions and billions of tiny gene dots. One of these billions is your special dot. It makes each person unique. “The rest of the billions of dots we discussed/ Are exactly the same inside each of us.” Our uniqueness and our sameness are highlighted in a multitude of ways through the text and inviting illustrations including a diverse cast of children. The message of this text, that genetically we are 99.9 percent the same, is critical for children to know in a world that seemingly seeks to divide, categorize, and “other” people.
VERDICT Useful for multiple lessons from science to socialemotional learning, this title simultaneously encourages readers to find and celebrate that which makes them unique while identifying the similarities that unite us all in a common human family.
Reviewed by John Scott , Jan 01, 2023

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

Holiday Gift Guide: Six Inclusive MG Fantasies, a guest post by Marieke Nijkamp
by Amanda MacGregor
BOOKS

Gracie Under the Waves
by Park, Linda Sue
BOOKS

Make My Wish Come True
by Lippincott, Rachael & Alyson Derrick
BOOKS

Big Changes for Plum!
by Phelan, Matt
BOOKS

The Dagger and the Flame
by Doyle, Catherine
BOOKS

Desert Echoes
by Nazemian, Abdi
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?