The Yellow Square of Stonewall by Sonny Dean
ISBN: 0578527359
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

All children understand that shapes fit in different places because of a popular baby toy full of multi colored shapes.   The use of simple and colorful illustrations will attract the attention of young readers and pre-readers.  Dean handles a heartbreaking real-life story in a soft manner that is sure to appeal.  While the book is simple, it deals with huge issues of exclusion and inclusion that many people can relate to in our society.  Even children know that being different is difficult, this paperback book helps to explain reality.  Certainly, young children will feel the pain and fear as well as the celebration of acceptance.

Consider for public libraries and gift to families of primary school age children.  There may be some schools that will take issue with this book but it belongs on library shelves.

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME.