The Hating Book

Rating:
Summary: A
Review: As a parent, I was very very disappointed in the content of this book. To have a 2nd grader read this book is very disturbing. If they are learning about hate in the 2nd grade, then what will they learn in the 3rd grade, how to kill??? This book should be banned from schools. In our home,we do not advocate or teach our children to hate anyone. The world has enough problems. Now, we know why we don't understand what's going on with our children.... Look at what they are given in school to read and the teachers who give them this kind of material to read.

Rating:
Summary: A Realistic Portrayal
Review: As a student in the Early Childhood Education department this book was assigned to us for review. I thought it portrayed the thoughts of a young girl in a realistic manner. I don't encourage my children to use the word "hate" either, but I am not naive enough to think that when loose in the world they always behave the way I would like. We try our best, but ultimately...you give them roots and wings.

Rating:
Summary: A Realistic Portrayal
Review: As a student in the Early Childhood Education department this book was assigned to us for review. I thought it portrayed the thoughts of a young girl in a realistic manner. I don't encourage my children to use the word "hate" either, but I am not naive enough to think that when loose in the world they always behave the way I would like. We try our best, but ultimately...you give them roots and wings.

Rating:
Summary: There are better choices available
Review: I read this book with my 2nd grade daughter (assigned book through the school counselor). In our household, we don't encourage the word hate; I prefer I'm angry at or I dislike... The book uses the word hate frequently, and the little girl in the story talks of wanting to die rather that talk to her friend about their problem. Neither of us liked this story. I feel the language is inappropriate for the age group.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: This book takes children through their own feelings when slighted by a friend. After bringing the intended audience (your child) into total sympathy of the "angry" child, Zolotow presents the other child's view. Wow, all of a sudden the main character, and your child, realize they were wrong. They should not have jumped to conclusions, been quick to judge, or acted rashly. What a wonderful, nonpreaching way to teach character development to young children who are just learning to reason!