Author/Illustrator: Tomie dePaola
Publisher: Harcourt Trade Publishers
Publication Date: 1979
Genre: Fiction, Picture Book
Audience: Gr. Pre-K+
Awards: David McCord Children's Literature Citation – author award; IRA-CBC Children’s Choice; Jeremiah Ludington Memorial Award; Kerlan Award, University of Southern Mississippi Medallion
Overview: A little boy, Oliver, learns how to overcome being criticized and teased for wanting to participate in things like tap dancing, reading books, and painting rather than participating in sports.
Activity: Use this book to teach students about text to text connections. Chart the similarities between Grace from Amazing Grace and Oliver by using a Venn diagram. In the interlocking part of the circles write all of the things that Oliver and Grace have in common. Then in the outsides of the circle write the things that are different about Grace and the things that are different about Oliver. Students then can try this on their own during their independent reading.
Reviewer’s Name: Nina Penman
