The Hundred Dresses

I set a personal goal of reading all Newbery award books, and last night I read an amazing gem! Newbery Honors book of 1945, The Hundred Dresses, written by Eleanor Estes and illustrated by Louis Slobodkin, is a higher-level bridging fiction children’s book (meaning not a picture book, but an illustrated short length chapter book.) Written for kids about 7-10 years old to independently read, it could easily make a bedtime story (chapter per night) for much younger children. The children in the story are in the Third grade.

Wanda, the girl with a funny last name, wears the same dress every day. So, how could she possibly have a hundred dresses?  Classmates, Peggy and Maddie, tackle the tough realization of what it means to be a bully.  Without being recoilingly accusatory, The Hundred Dresses, is deeply impactful. Following the emotionally transforming journey of the classmates empowers the characters and readers to make better choices. Yet, what truly stands out is Wanda’s behavior when faced with racism and ridicule. In a situation that many children would want to lash out, be angry, and potentially self-harm, Wanda chooses love. While this isn’t a Christian fiction book, it is easy to make the connection between Jesus’ desire for us to love our neighbors as ourselves and Wanda’s actions and responses. The lovely watercolor illustrations by a Caldecott medalist are subtle and airy, complimenting this sweet but powerful story.

Click HERE to check out this book.