The Only One Club
Written by Jane Naliboff
Illustrated by Jeff Hopkins Flashlight Press, 2004
ISBN: 0-972-92253-9
Reviewed by Anna Dogole - November 13, 2006
When Jennifer Jacobs's class begins to make Christmas decorations, she discovers that she is the only Jewish student in her class. Instead of feeling isolated or 'weird' she decides to bask in her uniqueness by forming the Only One Club. However, as she soon discovers, each member of her class is unique in their own way, and only one of something. One by one, she begins to accept new members into her club - until the entire class is a member of the Only One Club.
The Only One Club is a children's picture story book that was written by Jane Naliboff. The story is accented with intriguing, warmhearted illustrations by Jeff Hopkins. Tolerance is a trait that can be both hard to learn, and even harder to teach. In a few short pages, Naliboff manages to convey that being different can actually be an asset, and that everyone is unique in their own way. More important, Naliboff manages to present a clear and understandable lesson that teaches the importance of being accepting of other people's differences.
Written for children ages 4-8, The Only One Club is both entertaining and educational. Best of all, this is a great read aloud book, and an ideal book for new readers. In the story, Jennifer is the only one in her class that was Jewish. For myself, I'm the only one in my family with one blue eye and one brown. What are you the only one of?
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