
Reach for this book when you notice your child grappling with the social pressure to exclude others who seem different or when they use unkind language about peers with disabilities. It is a poignant story about Christy, a young girl who initially views her neighbor Eddie Lee, a boy with Down syndrome, as a nuisance. When Eddie Lee follows her and her friend to the lake, he reveals a world of hidden wonders, like water lilies and secret nests, that the other children missed in their hurry to be cool. This book is a masterclass in empathy for ages 6 to 9, helping children move past shame and towards a genuine appreciation for neurodiversity and nature. It serves as a gentle reminder that every person has unique gifts if we take the time to look.
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Sign in to write a reviewThemes of social exclusion and the pain of being teased for being different.
The book addresses disability directly and realistically. It uses some dated terminology (Eddie Lee is described as 'not smart') and JimBud uses the slur 'dummy,' which reflects the era's vernacular but is presented as hurtful and wrong. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in emotional growth rather than a 'cure' or a miracle.
A second or third grader who is starting to care about 'fitting in' and might be struggling with how to treat a peer who learns or acts differently than the rest of the group.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the mean language JimBud uses. It is helpful to explain that while the book was written in 1993, the feelings of being left out or misunderstood are still very relevant today. A parent might choose this after hearing their child repeat a mean comment about a classmate or seeing their child intentionally exclude someone to please a 'cooler' friend.
Younger children (6) focus on the 'treasure hunt' aspect of the nature walk and the sadness of being teased. Older children (8-9) will better grasp Christy's internal conflict between wanting to be JimBud's friend and knowing she should be kind to Eddie Lee.
Unlike many 'issue books' that feel like a lecture, this one uses beautiful, lyrical prose and a deep appreciation for the outdoors to bridge the gap between the characters.
Christy and her friend JimBud are headed to the lake to find huckleberries. Christy's mother reminds her to 'be good to Eddie Lee,' a neighborhood boy with Down syndrome. JimBud is mean to Eddie Lee, calling him names and trying to ditch him. Initially, Christy follows JimBud's lead, feeling embarrassed by Eddie Lee. However, when Eddie Lee follows them anyway, he shows Christy a beautiful world of 'water strangers' (flowers) and wildlife that she would have never discovered on her own, leading to a shift in her perspective and a moment of genuine connection.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.