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Some elements of a meaningful apology are modeled in this story (acknowledging the hurtful behavior; understanding the impact; reflecting on what can be done in the future; ideas for making amends/repairing the connection) -- including the fact that doing something hurtful does not mean that you're a bad person. I really liked the author's note at the end, which provides more in-depth, constructive advice for families and caregivers. I even appreciated the story's acknowledgment that making sincere apologies can make us (the person who did a hurtful thing) feel better, too. But for me, there was a missed opportunity: when Zach pushes his little brother (which certainly requires an apology!), he's reacting to the fact that his little brother continues to play with Zach's toy without asking for permission. I wish Zach's parent had validated Zach's feelings of frustration, and modeled a better way for Zach to feeling his feelings without reacting with violence. It would allow Zach to move forward and understand that his initial experience of being upset wasn't the problem, but his decision to push his brother.
This was a cute book about a kid making a bad decision and having to make it right. It had a nice moral, and I think it would be appropriate for a therapist's office. It seems to me to be geared toward children with self-control issues rather than the average child. I showed it to a therapist who works with kids, and they're looking into more of the Zach series for their office.
I like this series. In short, realistic prose, the author covers a simple, common occurrence and shows kids how to deal with it. This would be an excellent book for the younger grades, Kindergarten through about 3rd grade. I wish there were similar books for slightly older children, who are the ones I prefer to sub for.
I would recommend this book for parents, teachers, and school counselors. Parents should probably get it from the library, though, as it isn't really a book that kids will want to re-read many times.
I would recommend this book for parents, teachers, and school counselors. Parents should probably get it from the library, though, as it isn't really a book that kids will want to re-read many times.