Review - The Power of One

The Power of One: Every Act of Kindness Counts
by Trudy Ludwig
illustrated by Mike Curato
Date: 2020
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

One small act of kindness can change the world. From esteemed bullying expert and author of The Invisible Boy, Trudy Ludwig and Little Elliot illustrator Mike Curato comes a tale as simple--and simply inspiring--as the golden rule.

When one child reaches out in friendship to a classmate who seems lonely, she begins a chain reaction of kindness that ripples throughout her school and her community. One kind act begets another, small good deeds make way for bigger ones, and eventually the whole neighborhood comes together to build something much greater than the sum of its parts.

From acclaimed bullying expert Trudy Ludwig, The Power of One not only conveys a message of kindness, it offers concrete steps that kids can take to make a difference in their own communities.

As Trudy says in the final line of the book: "Acts and words of kindness DO count, and it all starts with ONE."

(synopsis from Goodreads)

The Power of One is a simple book about small acts of kindness. All it takes is one person to create a change and start something wonderful. One person to show a little kindness, apologize, forgive, or cultivate something new.

The message of this one is simple, but needed now more than ever. As the author reminds us in the notes, humans are social beings and we need connection for our wellbeing. This book is a sweet reminder of that.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 3.67 out of 5