
Reach for this book when your child notices someone being left out on the playground or when they are nervous about being the new student themselves. It serves as a gentle guide for navigating the social dynamics of the classroom, specifically focusing on the courage required to break away from the crowd to show kindness. Through the story of Lazlo, a boy who looks and speaks differently than his peers, the book addresses the discomfort of being an outsider and the transformative power of a simple invitation to play. Parents will appreciate how the story models active empathy rather than passive observation. It is particularly effective for children aged 4 to 8 who are developing their social identity and learning to recognize the impact of their actions on others. By highlighting the internal struggle of the onlookers, the book provides a roadmap for turning a moment of isolation into a lasting friendship.
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Sign in to write a reviewOthering based on foreign accent, food, and appearance.
The book deals with prejudice and xenophobia in a secular, direct manner. The bullying is realistic for an elementary setting (teasing about food and appearance). The resolution is hopeful and focuses on individual agency.
An empathetic 6-year-old who has mentioned a 'lonely' classmate but feels social pressure to stay with their established friend group.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the rhyming text, which can sometimes gloss over the deep hurt of bullying. It is helpful to pause on the pages where Lazlo is alone to ask how he might be feeling. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child say, 'No one wants to play with the new kid because he's weird,' or if their child is coming home crying because they were that new kid.
Younger children (4-5) focus on the 'mean vs. nice' behavior and the fun of the strudel. Older children (7-8) will pick up on the social risk Ellie and Kerry take by leaving their group to befriend the outsider.
Written by a high-profile journalist, the book uses a rhythmic, bouncy rhyme scheme to tackle the very heavy, jagged topic of xenophobia, making it accessible for very young audiences without being overly dark.
Lazlo S. Gasky is the brand new kid in school. He has long hair, wears different clothes, and speaks with a Hungarian accent. The other children, led by a boy named Tom, tease him and leave him out. Two girls, Ellie and Kerry, feel bad but are afraid to speak up until they decide to visit Lazlo's house. They discover he is kind, talented, and makes great strudel, leading them to stand up for him at school the next day.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.