All Kinds of Friends, Even Green! [Hardcover]

Ellen B. Senisi (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

(2003 Skipping Stones Honor Award) In school, Moses, and the rest of his class are given the assignment of choosing a friend to write about. As he wonders which person to choose, he thinks of his circle of friends and what they share together. Some friends are kids like Jimmy, who says funny things, and Manuel, who races with Moses on the playground. Other friends are grown-ups like Mom and Dad, and teachers. Neighbors too, can be friends, like Kate, his teen-aged babysitter. Kate owns two really cute iguanas. One of the iguanas, Zaki, is missing toes. That's it! Moses will write about Zaki. After all, they really have something in common. Moses and Zaki both have special needs. Zaki, with her missing toes, must figure out new ways to move around and get to where she wants to go, which is exactly what Moses must do in his wheelchair! More than just a story about friendship, ALL KINDS OF FRIENDS, EVEN GREEN! looks at difference---such as being in a wheelchair or missing toes---in a unique way. With this beautifully photographed and engaging story, children discover that living with disability and facing its challenges can be seen as interesting, even positive. With an Afterword about disabilities, Moses, and iguanas, the story provides material for discussing inclusion at school and home.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-When his teacher gives an assignment to write about a friend, seven-year-old Moses considers classmates, neighbors, parents, and teachers before finally deciding on Zaki, his teenage neighbor's iguana, because she is different yet determined, like him. Using a wheelchair due to disabilities including spina bifida, Moses nevertheless participates in all of the classroom activities. Zaki has missing toes, yet has learned to compensate by using her strong front legs to keep up with Hashi, her companion iguana. Bright, bold photographs depict surroundings and experiences from Moses's and Zaki's points of view, with the text appearing on what looks like lined notebook paper at the bottom. Some words appear larger, in unusual places, or in contrasting colors to provide emphasis and interest. The multicultural class, including another child in a wheelchair, is credible and familiar, with scenes occurring on the playground, in the library, and in the classroom. Information following the story provides background about disabilities and iguanas. The clear and varied photographs carry the sometimes weak and slightly confusing text, which includes such phrases as "gotta see my friends!" and words appearing against busy backgrounds. The message of acceptance, coupled with a matter-of-fact portrayal of a disabled youngster, makes this a good choice for most collections.
Susan McCaffrey, Haslett High School, MI
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 28 pages
• Publisher: Woodbine House; 1st edition (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890627356
• ISBN-13: 978-1890627355
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 11.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #861,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, March 26, 2003

By 

Sheralyn "Sher" (Mesa, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: All Kinds of Friends, Even Green! (Hardcover)

I really liked this book, and so did my 6 year old son. I have a boy with special needs who is 5, and this author captured the curiousity and excitement of a small child so well, and then revealed the disability of the boy in the book in a very positive manner. My son had fun reading it, and I know that the ideas that were in the background are what I want my son to "get". I would definetely recommend this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A memorable friendship, March 19, 2004

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: All Kinds of Friends, Even Green! (Hardcover)

"All Kinds of Friends, Even Green!" is written and photographed by Ellen B. Senisi. The text and photos tell a story about Moses, a disabled boy who gets around in his wheelchair. At school, his class is given an assignment to write about friends. Moses is inspired to write about a very special friend: Zaki, an iguana. Zaki is also disabled, having lost her back toes after a mite infection; Moses has a special affection with her.

This is a wonderful portrait of a multiethnic school environment that includes disabled youngsters. The acknowledgement section of the book thanks the participants at Zoller School in Schenectady, New York. After the main text there are three interesting supplemental articles: about disabilities, about young Moses, and about iguanas. The colorful, lively photos are enjoyable to look at. This book effectively reminds us that disability is an issue that affects both human and non-human beings. Moses and Zaki are likeable and admirable "characters," and the book movingly celebrates the special love a child has for a cherished pet.

5.0 out of 5 stars All Kinds of Friends, April 29, 2011

By 

Mary E. Young "JanaRose1" (Covington, Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: All Kinds of Friends, Even Green! (Hardcover)

Moses and his classmates are given the task of writing about a friend. Moses considers classmates, neighbors, parents, even teachers, before deciding to write about Zaki, his neighbor's iguana. Zaki has missing toes and has been forced to find ways to compensate. Moses has also been forced to compensate, because of his disabilities due to spina bifida. Despite his disability, Moses participates in all of the class activities. The pages themselves were filled with a collage of images and colors, which I thought was a bit distracting. It may be difficult for a younger child, especially one who is just learning to read, find where sentences begin and end. Otherwise, I thought this was a wonderful book, one that should be included in all public and school libraries.