The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade

Justin Roberts, Illustrated by Christian Robinson
Penguin Random House Canada, 2014

“Hardly anyone noticed young Sally McCabe.
She was the smallest girl in the smallest grade.”

From the publisher: “Sally notices everything—from the twenty-seven keys on the janitor’s ring to the bullying happening on the playground. One day, Sally has had enough and decides to make herself heard. And when she takes a chance and stands up to the bullies, she finds that one small girl can make a big difference.”

One of the hardest things about being a kid is not knowing what you can possibly do in the face of bullying, injustice, and wrongs. The answer isn’t simple and it isn’t for everyone to be a vocal proponent or action taker. This story helps us realize that the smallest voice and the smallest acts can make a difference – for ourselves and for others. 

The kids really engaged with the idea of simple things like using our bodies (raising a hand, standing up, sitting down) can send a message. Even better when we have just one other person that can take action with us. We’re not alone and we’re not powerless.

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