This kind of thing won't be tolerated at our school, the principal declares the day the "Bad-Something" is discovered written on a wall. The incident makes the kids nervous, giggly and curious at first, but then they're worried, confused, sad or angry. Everyone is suspicious. Who did it, and why? They miss the days before the bad-something appears, because everything -- and everyone -- feels different now, including parents and teachers. It takes a lot of talking, listening, looking and learning together to find a way through. Culminated in a creative group mural project, the story acknowledges that while the scars of such incidents remain, it is possible to teach tolerance and feel true community once again.
Illustrated by bestselling and acclaimed artist Corinna Luyken, here is a brave book about the power of words that tackles one of the most difficult topics for elementary school-aged children -- hate speech -- in a direct, realistic and empathetic manner. NOTE: The "bad-something" is never shown or revealed in the text or art. Further resources are included in an author's note at the end.
See More School stories
See More Art: general interest
See More Personal & social issues: self-awareness & self-esteem
No one has written a review for 'Something Good'
Why not be the first to share your opinion?
Marcy Campbell lives in Ohio with her family and menagerie of rescued pets. Her writing for adults has been published widely in journals and magazines, including Salon . She grew up on a farm filled with cows, chickens, cats, and dogs, but she never had a horse. Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse is her debut picture book. You can visit
More about Marcy CampbellCorinna Luyken grew up in different cities along the West Coast, and after studying at Middlebury College, she settled in Washington State, where she draws inspiration from nature, her family, and the human form.
More about Corinna Luyken
