Something Good

Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Bank Street College 2021 Best Book(s) of the Year
Ohioana Library Readers’ Choice Book Award in Juvenile Literature
WA State Book Award Finalist
SOI Original Art Show 2021 Juried Selection

A sensitive, timely and ultimately uplifting portrayal of how an elementary school struggles, copes, and heals together after "something bad" is discovered written on the wall.

This kind of thing won't be tolerated at our school, the principal declares the day the "bad-something" is discovered written on a wall. The incident makes the kids nervous, giggly, and curious at first, but then they're worried, confused, sad and angry. Everyone is suspicious. Who did it, and why? They miss the days before the bad-something appeared, because everything—and everyone—feels different now. It takes a lot of talking, listening, looking, and creating something good together to find a way to heal. The story acknowledges that while the scars of such incidents remain, it is possible to teach tolerance and feel true community once again.

★ “A valuable conversation starter.”
—Kirkus, starred review

“The appealing pictures…clearly reveal the emotions [the characters] feel, from concerned and sorrowful to proud, as their school turns a negative situation into a learning experience with a positive conclusion.”
—Booklist

“Capably illustrate[s] the way group dynamics can be affected for ill and also for good…. A vivid evocation of a believable event, which is helpfully coupled with an empowering response that gives kids an action to take.”
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“A valuable resource that might serve to equip classrooms for crisis.”
—Publishers Weekly