Different: A Great Thing to Be!

Different: A Great Thing to Be! is about a young girl named Macy who loves the colour blue, likes to read and dance, has a pet dog, and is considered a little “different” than other kids. In this context, different means she is not talkative but also not shy, she takes her time, and sings a little longer after a song ends. When someone is considered different, whether it be because of a physical appearance or how they act, sometimes they are excluded from a group. One illustration shows a group of kids on a giant floaty at the beach staring at Macy and telling her that she does not belong. Even though Macy is hurt by these words, she doesn’t give up and is able to show the kids how everyone is different but can still have fun together. When the kids embrace Macy’s differences, she shines bright and adds a new perspective to everyday activities such as dancing, art, and make-believe.

The most important message that Avis conveys through her book is for everyone to create a “safe space” for those who are considered different. That means accepting those differences, standing up for them when they are put down, and learning to appreciate and embrace our own differences. Sometimes offering a helping hand or a smile is all that is needed. Macy’s story is about celebrating everyone’s unique personalities, physical appearances, and being brave in the face of doubt. For both children and adults alike, showing your differences to the world can be scary and hard to do. When everyone accepts each other and offers support, great things can happen! This is what Avis demonstrates in her story.

Mensinga’s illustrations are vivid and welcoming, with a summer vibe. Macy is depicted as an energetic child, and the other children in the story are portrayed with their own differences. Many young readers will be able to relate to both Macy and the other characters illustrated. Some distinct features include skin colour, a child with a hearing aid, another child in a wheelchair, and a young girl with a prominent birthmark. Although these are physical attributes, Avis makes it clear that differences are not always physical. This allows for an opportunity to start a conversation about diversity and the importance of inclusion. Parents and caregivers might ask about their child’s own differences or what could they do to make sure everyone in a classroom or group is included in a game. Based on Avis’ other work on Down syndrome, readers can assume that Macy has Down syndrome. There are not many children’s books that depict a main character with Down syndrome, and so this story offers a chance for young readers to learn about it and perhaps see themselves represented.

I highly recommend Different: A Great Thing to Be! for its teaching opportunities, Avis’ fantastic approach to showcasing diversity and individuality, as well as for promoting the message to celebrate everyone’s difference.