Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser.  Published in 2006 by HarperCollins Publishers.

In this story Nancy strives for all things to be fancy.  She gices her family lessons and they go out for a fancy family night.

Fancy Nancy has language that your child will continue.  They will say, "That's a fancy word for..." It gives them a jumping off point for exploring language.

This book explores the idea of adgectives and synonyms.  It has elaborate illustrations that capture the students.  It also explores the idea of individuality and family rituals.

I personally like this book because it allows the child to explore their own style and their own langage.

The Hundred Dresses, by Eleanor Estes, illustrated by Louis Slobodkin.  Published 2004 by Harcourt Children's Books, originally published 1944.

This is a story about a young immigrant girl who tries to fit in but is never accepted.  The twist in this story is that it is put through the eyes of her peers.

This book looks closely at the effects and emotions associated with bullying.  In the end those associated with the bullying recieve a final lesson of kindness.

The Hundred Dresses can be used for discussion of how we treat people, and the differences in cultures.  It is also good for exploring different genres in writing.

I enjoyed this book because it made those involved in the story look at their own behavior.  It touched my heart and made me look around at my own students in hopes that only kindness was fostered in their peer relationships.