About This Book
Tomie DePaola's classic picture book tells the story of Oliver Button, a boy who loves to dance, sing, and act, activities his male classmates deem 'sissy.' Oliver faces relentless teasing and bullying at school, leading him to try and conform. However, with the quiet support of his parents and his own inner strength, Oliver eventually finds the courage to embrace his passions, culminating in a triumphant performance. This heartwarming story gently explores themes of individuality, gender stereotypes, bullying, and the importance of self-acceptance, making it a powerful tool for discussing these topics with young readers.
His classmates' taunts don't stop Oliver Button from doing what he likes best.
bullying
discrimination
Discussion Prompts
1
What does Oliver love to do? How do his classmates react to his interests?
2
Why do you think Oliver's classmates called him a 'sissy'? What does that word mean?
3
How did Oliver feel when he was teased? What helped him feel brave enough to keep dancing?
4
Have you ever felt like you couldn't do something you loved because others might tease you? What did you do?
5
What does this story teach us about being kind to others and being true to ourselves?
External Reviews
If Your Family Enjoyed This
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share how this book landed with your family.