Benji, the Bad Day, and Me by Sally J. Pla - ADVISABLE

Benji, the Bad Day, and Me by Sally J. Pla, illustrated by Ken Min. PICTURE BOOK. Lee & Low Books Inc, 2018. $18. 9781620143452

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

What happens when you have a bad day but your mom is busy and your little brother takes a lot of attention from others because of his austism? Sammy grapples with this question when he comes home from school wet and tired to find his brother in his little safety fort and his mom working. In the end, it is Sammy’s brother, Benji, that cheers him up by rolling him up in a blanket like a burrito.

This is a story that doesn’t get told a lot - the story of the siblings of high-need kids. I wasn’t particularly moved or affected by this book, but I did appreciate the perspective it offered. I am positive that there are many children who will feel comradery with Sammy and his struggles, but also with his joys at the particular community he has.    

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher