Families who loved Be Good to Eddie Lee by Virginia Fleming often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when you notice your child grappling with the social pressure to exclude others who seem different or when they use unkind language about peers with disabilities. It is a poignant story about Christy, a young girl who initially views her neighbor Eddie Lee, a boy with Down syndrome, as a nuisance. When Eddie Lee follows her and her friend to the lake, he reveals a world of hidden wonders, like water lilies and secret nests, that the other children missed in their hurry to be cool. This book is a masterclass in empathy for ages 6 to 9, helping children move past shame and towards a genuine appreciation for neurodiversity and nature. It serves as a gentle reminder that every person has unique gifts if we take the time to look.