A review by mrs_mazzola_reads
Most People by Michael Leannah

2.0

I struggled with my thoughts about this book, but have landed on "not recommended". I LOVE the representation in the book (various family groupings, racial/ethnic diversity, physical ability, etc.) and the message that there is good in the world even when it doesn't feel like it, but the book lost me in the discussion about emotions and presentation. It says "A person who is frowning and mad, or sad, or mean is like a sour grape in a bunch of sweet grapes." This completely invalidates those other feelings, creating a hierarchy with happiness as the best emotion and any other emotion is ruining something for everyone else. Sometimes those other emotions are equally essential and valid. It goes on to say "Everyone looks nicer when they smile," which made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Don't tell people how they should look, particularly girls (who happen to be the characters being represented on this spread of pages). They owe you nothing. Not a smile or something that makes you more comfortable. This is dangerous messaging for kids and I will not be adding it to my collection.