One Green Apple

Written by Eve Bunting
Illustrated by Ted Lewin
Published in 2006

Why we chose this book:
We'd read this book before and enjoyed it. In recognition of International Children's Book Day, I wanted something with an international aspect to it, and an immigrant's experience in her new home country fits.

Mom's Review

An immigrant student's second day with her new classmates.

One Green Apple is narrated by Farrah, an immigrant student on her second day of school. She goes with her classmates on a field trip to an apple farm. She speaks no English, does not know the other children, and is confronted by both cruel and friendly smiles. Farrah holds herself back from the class at first, uncomfortable in their presence, but is ultimately welcomed and finds the confidence to say one English word. It is a believable story that can have a positive impact on readers who might encounter children who do not speak their language. Children in similar situations to Farrah's may identify with her, but the book feels aimed at native English-speakers.

Why do I think this is an important book to read right now? Given our country's current climate, I believe we must actively show compassion to our fellow humans and emphasize human dignity and equality, regardless of race, origin, religion, or gender. Reading a book narrated by an immigrant girl who encounters positive and negative reactions to her presence can help children understand how someone new or "different" might feel. It also subtly teaches how one's actions may impact that "other" child's well-being. We talked a lot while reading this book, about how Farrah felt, what we would do if we met her, and what T might feel or do if he were in Farrah's situation.  This is worthwhile and I strongly recommend it.

Son's Review
(age 3)
While reading:
Mom: How would you feel if you couldn't understand what the kids around you were saying?

Son: I would prefer to speak their language.

Mom: What would you do if you couldn't talk to them?

Son: I would go back to my home.

Mom: What if you couldn't go back to your home? What if you had to be in a new place?

Son: I don't know.
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Mom: Do you think she might feel lonely? Is there anything you could do to be friendly to Farrah?

Son: Yeah. I could play games with her.

Mom: What would you want the kids to do if you were the new child?

Son: Play with me.
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Son: Why did that boy say, "Hey!"?

Mom: I think he wanted to stop her from putting a sour apple in. How do you think that made her feel? What would you do if you were there?

Son: Sad. I would want to stop that boy.

After reading:
Mom: Why do you think she's smiling at the end?

Son: Because she said "apple" the right way.

Mom: Would you want to be friends with Farrah? What if she knocked on your door?

Son: Yeah. I'd open the door. We'd play all kinds of different toys. I would like to play Operation with her.

Mom: How did this book make you feel? What made you the most happy?

Son: Happy just happy just happy.  How she picked the green apple.

Mom: Who should read it? Why?

Son: Grown ups should read it. Grown ups should read it to kids because that's what grown ups do!