The Hundred Dresses: A Newbery Honor Middle Grade Book About Kindness and Acceptance

What a neat little book about some kids not having all the best and new things. It is an older story that is still popular with kids today. Paperback. Nice size and print. I got for a gift. Teaches kids to not judge a cover.

My little girls enjoy you this book and it made room for conversations around bullying, standing up for what’s right, and accountability! Must read❤️

Excellent book. A must read . What a vivid and heart watming experience.

I bought this story for my niece because I love "The Witch Family" by the same author, Eleanor Estes. In the process, I discovered another gem! What a touching tale about acceptance and understanding. A timeless tale that discourages bullying and stereotyping. I think all young girls should read this, so that (1) girls who have been bullied will realize that they are not alone, and (2) girls who are making fun of or bullying others will recognize that they should change their behavior. The illustrations are lovely as well.

Thank you ! The book teaches a is excellent of lesson Of kindness! THANK YOU! Excellent condition!

This story is about Maddie, a poor girl who happens to be friends with Peggy, the most popular girl in school. Maddie is very insecure because of her poverty. When her friend Peggy begins teasing Wanda, a new girl with a funny last name who always wears the same dress to school, Maddie joins in. She knows it's wrong, but Maddie is too afraid of losing Peggy's friendship and having the girls turn on her. Then one day, the class learns that those hundred dresses Wanda claimed to have were beautiful drawings of dresses. Moved to apologize, Maddie and Peggy find that Wanda has moved away, and they learn from her father's letter to the teacher that it is because his children were being made fun of. Too late to make amends, Maddie regrets deeply her part in making Wanda unhappy, and vows never to stand by again while someone is being picked on. The moral lesson of this story is obvious. What isn't necessarily obvious from my summary is that the story is written in an incredibly moving manner. Maddie's thought processes are revealed to us, and most who are honest will be able to understand her hesitance to speak up. And, we can grieve with her as she realizes that she cannot make amends for her wrong. This is a very powerful and evocative story. I read it to my three oldest children (ages 9, 7, and 5) who were able to grasp the message and to sympathize both with Wanda and Maddie. It's 96 pages, but with large print and many illustrations (which honestly weren't my style), it's a pretty quick read. It could be read in one long sitting, but I chose to spread it out over three days to give me more time to discuss it with my children. I would highly recommend this book for any child. It's a classic that has endured for years because of its quality writing and its timeless message.

As a teacher, I recommend this book to boys and girls alike. I hold it up to the class and tell them I will read a little bit of it to them. As always, the boys say "Yuck!" or cringe. Everyone thinks this is a story about a fashion show judging by its cover. Next, I tell them it's about bullying. Then, they all stop and stare. By the time I finish reading the first chapter, and I tell them we have to go on to the next lesson, ALL of the students are begging me to continue reading! Even the boys! I do have to note, however, that there are some things in it that may need to be explained since it was written so long ago (1940's). For example, I usually have to explain about the significance of the snide remark from a student/narrator made about Wanda having mud on her shoes. She comes from the "poor side of town" where the streets aren't paved and has to walk to school everyday; there isn't a school bus to take her to school. Or explain the reason why Wanda's dress isn't properly ironed (no mother to show her how to do it). But please do NOT let that keep you from purchasing it! It is a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn about the "culture" of the times! Students are enthralled by learning about those times through these discussions and love to compare and contrast it with their lives! I noticed some reviews said it was boring but parents and teachers might have missed the opportunity to have a wonderful discussion as I mentioned above. Most importantly, we discuss how the importance of Forgiveness is mentioned in the book not just the bullying.

Love this book

The book teaches children that to be silent is just as harmful, if not worse, than the person creating conflict on others. The book can be read in 1-2 sittings. The story telling is unique as it explores the different thoughts of the characters in the book. I may need to read again for my 6 year old daughter to comprehend the story, but my 8 year old understood it and hopefully learned something from it. I do think it's a book to come back and read again to get the powerful message across. My kids did enjoy that there were a few illustrations in the book.

I love it

Mobbing and discrimination are, unfortunately, an ever-occurring, never-ending issue in practically all aspects of society. Particularly children are often the recipients, but also the providers of such hurtful acts, and especially schools are the stage for this form of intolerance. The author tells the story that she experienced in her own childhood, observing a foreign girl being subjected to this behavior, and how it affected her own character and feeling of guilt. I highly recommend this book to anyone, in particular for school-classes.

石井桃子さんの日本語訳版も良いですが、原語版にの微妙な表現は作者の意図をより明確にするので収穫大でした。 また、娘さんの「a letter to readers」も添付されており、背景など知ることができました。

Good