The One and Only Question

First day of school in a new place can be scary, especially if your old school didn’t feel safe. Norma Charles, Andrea Charles and Ken Daley address these concerns in The One and Only Question.

On Zeke’s first day of school he is nervous. He knows it’s going to be the ”worst day ever”. He’s worried someone will call him the N-word. It happened at his old school. He gets to school and everyone seems unfriendly and unkind until one person helps him feel more comfortable. Maybe this will turn into a fairly good day.

I love how Norma Charles and Andrea Charles are honest and forthright about what is bothering Zeke. Putting the phrase “the N-word” into the story may make some people feel uncomfortable but it’s so critical to readers for them to hear situations that are similar to those they can experience in real life in the books they read.

This book reminded me of a childhood favourite. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. The repetition of “It’s going to be the worst day ever. He just knows it.”. I love when a book has a repeating string. It emphasizes the worry and the anxiety Zeke is experiencing and is so relatable to young readers. I hear, “I don’t want to go to school today.” from at least one of my own children or the daycare children so even those children who may not have direct experience with racism and bullying can relate to the anxiety of going to school.

The back matter in this book is so excellent. Containing tips for readers as well as their parents and teachers on how to confront bullying and racism. These are important reminders as we can all get a little complacent at times. We need to make sure we are creating safety for all of our readers.

Ken Daley’s illustrations are warm and bright. They feel like a big hug protecting not only Zeke but all readers as they take this journey together. The big, bold, beautiful faces perfectly reflect the multitude of feelings that readers will experience on any given school day but make them feel protected in a joyful embrace.