TD Grade 1 Book Giveaway for 2022
Winner of the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award for Children’s Literature
Every child has a voice — if we take the time to listen.
In this appealing, energetic picture book, two kids with different challenges and strengths find they are just what the other needs to navigate classroom life.
Tyson does everything fast — so fast he often disrupts the class. His teacher is always saying, “Too fast, Tyson!” And often he ends up playing all alone.
Suze, the new girl, is nonverbal with special needs. Sometimes her classmates don’t know what those needs are.
But Tyson understands. Taking the time to interpret her cues, Tyson forms a special friendship with Suze, and teaches his classmates what it means to listen and understand others.
Claudia Dávila’s bright, energetic art captures the joy of moving at your own speed and connecting with a friend who can ride alongside.
Written by Heather M. O’Connor
Illustrated by Claudia Dávila
Scholastic Canada
ISBN 9781443170406
To buy Friends Find a Way!
Friends Find a Way is available at your favourite Canadian independent bookseller and major retailers.
Videos
Listen to me read Fast Friends
Reviews
Through shared understanding about their differences, the two develop a special bond and prove they might have more in common than anyone thought. ~ CBC Books
Tyson sees her fun-loving personality, makes her laugh, and discovers that talking isn’t the only way to communicate with others. A needed addition to the collection of Canadian picture books featuring characters with disabilities. ~ Canadian Picture Book blog
Heather M. O’Connor grounds her familial experience in a delightful story … in a way that shows rather than tells. All readers will engage with Tyson and Suze and think about how they can better demonstrate empathy and celebrate differences. ~ CM: Canadian Review of Materials
A natural storyteller. ~ Rosemary Ganley, Peterborough Examiner
[Her] words tell the story without condemnation or judgment, only emphasizing Tyson’s recognition of what Suze enjoys. ~ CanLit for Little Canadians
Yes, I do school and library visits! Contact me or see my page for teachers.
Book extras
- A Letter from the Author (pdf)
- Body Language (pdf)
- Same and Different (pdf)
- Wheelchair Etiquette (pdf)
- Colouring pages (pdf)
My sincere thanks to the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario for supporting the creation of this book.
