The Only One Club

Summary of Book

This heartwarming story explores the many ways in which children feel unique and special. Mrs. Matthews's first grade class begins making Christmas decorations, but because Jennifer is Jewish, Mrs. Matthews allows her to make Hanukkah decorations instead. Jennifer enjoys the attention and creates "The Only One Club," of which she is the sole member. When her classmates want to join, she is resistant until she realizes that each of her friends is also "the only one" at something. As she inducts them into her club she reveals the unique qualities that make each of her classmates extraordinary. Through this touching story, young children are encouraged to discover and treasure their own uniqueness and to actively look for special qualities in others beyond race or culture. A medley of pencil, watercolor, acrylic paint, and pastel illustrations bring this inspiring and humorous tale to life.

Author Biography

Jane Naliboff is the author of Kids Will Be Kids. She has published children's stories in Cricket, Hopscotch, and Spider. She lives in Vienna, Maine.

Illustrator Biography

Jeff Hopkins has worked as a museum educator for the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art, where he served as artist-in-residence for after-school art programs for K–2 students. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.