Stephanie's Ponytail

Reach for this book when your child is feeling frustrated by peer pressure, or when they are upset because friends are copying their ideas, style, or games. It is a perfect choice for children who are beginning to navigate the social hierarchy of the classroom and want to assert their own unique identity without being followed by the crowd. The story follows Stephanie, a creative girl who tries to wear her hair in increasingly bizarre ponytails only to have the entire school, including the teachers, mimic her look the very next day. While it is a hilariously absurdist tale, it touches on deep themes of individuality, the annoyance of being a trendsetter, and the courage it takes to be different. Parents will appreciate how it uses humor to diffuse the tension of school social dynamics while validating a child's right to feel frustrated when their personal 'spark' is imitated by others.