The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Author: Eleanor Estes

Illustrated by: Louis Slobodkin

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Publish Date: September 1, 2004

Summary: Wanda tells the girls in her class that she has one hundred beautiful dresses at home and yet she wears the same faded blue dress every day.  The girls don't believe her and tease her daily.  Her best friend begins to tease her too, but soon realizes it's not the nicest thing to do.  Unfortunately she realizes it too soon when Wanda doesn't show up for school one day. 

Source: My 11 year old sister's bedroom

Recommended grade: 5th grade

Awards: Newbery Honor

Quality: This book is well written for a younger crowd. While the main characters are female it could definitely apply to all children.  

Life Connections:

• Teasing does not make friends
• Life is short
• Creativity is important

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Author: Judith Viorst

Illustrator: Ray Cruz

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Publish Date: July 15, 1987

Summary: Alexander has a “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” and no one seems to care! From gum in his hair, to stubbing his toe, to seeing gross kissing on his tv: poor Alexander just can’t seem to catch a break. 

Source: Spring 2014 116B Syllabus

Recommended grade: K-2

My suggested age range: any age is appropriate, from infant to adult

Awards: George C. Stone Center for Children’s Books Recognition of Merit Award, Indies Choice Book Award for Picture Book Hall of Fame

Quality: Everyone has hard days and it takes awhile to figure out a way to get over and/or change them.  I wish there was more of a resolution in Alexander overcoming his bad day, but I know the children would identify with some of the situations that Alexander experiences. The repetition would also appeal to children and adults alike.

Life Connections:

· Introducing new places: Australia

· Bad days happen to everyone

· It’s easy to get wrapped up in a bad day which can make it into a terrible day.