Jamaica's Blue Marker

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with a difficult classmate or is navigating the mixed emotions of a 'frenemy' moving away. It is a gentle, realistic look at the frustration of dealing with a peer who pushes boundaries and the unexpected path toward empathy and forgiveness. Jamaica is a relatable protagonist who loves her art and takes pride in her things, making her conflict with Russell, the boy who ruins her blue marker, feel very high-stakes to a young child. Through a small but significant act of kindness, the story models how to look beyond a person's annoying behavior to see the human being underneath. It is a perfect selection for elementary students learning that saying goodbye can be complicated when you do not always get along with the person leaving.