About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the 'new kid' at school, especially if that new peer seems to be better at a favorite activity or hobby. It is a gentle but realistic look at how jealousy can cloud our judgment and make it hard to form new friendships. The story follows Emily Arrow, who is frustrated when a newcomer named Dawn Bosco becomes the class's fastest runner and is then suspected of stealing Emily's prized lucky charm. This book validates the complicated feelings of being 'replaced' while teaching children the importance of not jumping to conclusions. It is an excellent choice for navigating early elementary social dynamics, highlighting how shared interests can eventually turn a rival into a friend.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The story involves accusations of theft and name-calling ('Fish Face') between classmates, which may be distressing for children sensitive to peer conflict.
Ideal Reader
A 7 or 8-year-old who is experiencing 'playground politics' for the first time or feels competitive with a new student. It is perfect for a child who needs to see that initial negative feelings about someone don't have to define the relationship forever.
Parent Prep
Parents may want to be ready to discuss the importance of having proof before making accusations, as Emily spends much of the book believing Dawn is a thief. A parent might hear their child calling a classmate a 'thief' or 'mean' without proof, or notice their child is suddenly reluctant to go to school because they are no longer the 'best' at something.
Age Experience
Younger readers (6-7) will focus on the 'mystery' of the missing unicorn and the unfairness of losing a race. Older readers (8-9) will better grasp Emily's internal guilt and the nuance of her changing feelings toward Dawn.
What Makes It Special
Part of the 'Polk Street School' series, this book excels at capturing the specific, small-scale dramas of the classroom that feel like huge life events to a second-grader. It doesn't patronize the child's feelings of jealousy.
Read plot summary
Emily Arrow is the undisputed fastest runner in her second-grade class until Dawn Bosco arrives. Dawn doesn't just take Emily's title; Emily also suspects Dawn of stealing her favorite lucky unicorn. The narrative follows Emily's internal struggle with jealousy and her attempts to get her toy back, eventually leading to a realization about honesty and the possibility of friendship despite a rocky start.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Emily was upset when Dawn ran faster than her. Have you ever felt frustrated when someone else was better at something you love to do?
2
Why did Emily immediately think Dawn stole her unicorn? Was it because of evidence, or because she was already mad at her?
3
How did Emily's feelings about Dawn change from the beginning of the book to the end?
4
What is a better way Emily could have handled her suspicion instead of just being angry?
