Chrysanthemum

Title: Chrysanthemum

Author: Kevin Henkes

Genre: Diversity

Summary: Chrysanthemum was born perfect, according to her parents. She grew, continuously, and she loved her name. She loved absolutely everything about it. ON the first day of school, she was so excited, but the class giggled when they heard it during attendance. They said it was long. She no longer loved her name. When she got home, she told her parents. She felt better after her macaroni and cheese for dinner because after all, it was her favorite dinner meal! Nothing changed at school the following day. One day, the class was introduced to the music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Twinkle happened to love Chrysanthemum’s name, which was surprising to her. She said she would have named her daughter that if she had a daughter. Now, Chrysanthemum knew her name was perfect again.

Characters: Chrysanthemum, her parents and teacher, friends in school

Plot: Chrysanthemum didn’t like her name and was brought down at school because of it, until she met her music teacher.

Theme: Confidence, self esteem

Setting: School, home

Opinion: I really enjoyed reading this book, because it shows students that everyone is different. Whether you are a different color than someone else, or your name is a little bit longer than your friend’s names, it doesn’t matter. In the end, everyone needs to be treated equally with respect.