Chrysanthemum

Author: Kevin Henkes https://kevinhenkes.com/
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Date of Publication: 1991
Illustrator: n/a
Genre Designation: Fiction
Lexile: 570L

Chrysanthemum

Summary:

In this book there is a little girl named Chrysanthemum. Her parents named her that and dote on her and tell her she is absolutely perfect. She grows up believing what her parents tell her until she goes to school. When she gets to school the other children tease her about her name and make her feel bad. This continues on for some time until she meets the music teacher Ms. Twinkle. They learn that Ms. Twinkle has an unique long name as well. The students then stop teasing Chrysanthemum. Eventually they become friends and wish they had unique names.

Target Audience:

This book is perfect or Pre K - 2 grade. The message is that of acceptance and fitting in. Chrysanthemum is new to school and the other students in her class are making her feel uncomfortable. It also could be a lesson on how to be a good friend.

Evaluation:

This novel is entertaining, but also had a lesson. It is not bullying in the direct sense, but it deals with teasing and making a classmate uncomfortable. In school every child has been made of fun of at some point. This book highlights that through the use of simple language and illustrations. It could start conversations early in a students education experience and show them how not to treat a friend.

Reader Response Activity:

If the children are young and can not read I would print out their first name in block letters and let them decorate it. I would have them include things that make them special. For example, if they play soccer, draw a soccer ball in one of the letters or on the sheet. If the children are older and can read I would have then do an acrostic of their name and decorate it. When the project is complete I would use them as a bulletin board early in the school year. It would help to learn names and make a colorful addition to your classroom.