One Green Apple by Eve Bunting is a poignant and beautifully written children's book about a young girl named Farah, who is an immigrant from a Middle Eastern country. Farah struggles to fit in at her new school in America, where she is the only student who speaks a different language and wears traditional clothing.
The story begins on the first day of school, when Farah is nervous and unsure of what to expect. She is greeted by her teacher, Mrs. Watson, who is kind and welcoming. Farah is also introduced to her classmates, who are all excited to start the new school year. However, Farah is hesitant to join in their activities and feels isolated because she doesn't speak English very well.
As the school year progresses, Farah works hard to learn English and make friends. She is determined to fit in and be a part of the community, and she finds solace in the school's garden. There, she tends to the plants and finds peace in the quiet, peaceful surroundings.
One day, Farah's teacher asks the students to bring in a fruit from home to share with the class. Farah is worried because she doesn't have any American fruit to bring, so she brings a green apple from her home country. When she presents the apple to her class, the other students are curious and excited to try it. Farah is proud to share a part of her culture with her classmates, and they all enjoy the apple together.
Through this small act of kindness and inclusion, Farah is able to overcome her feelings of isolation and truly feel like a part of the class. She has learned that even though she is different, she is still valued and accepted by her classmates and teacher.
One Green Apple is a powerful and moving story that teaches readers the importance of acceptance and inclusivity. Eve Bunting's writing is vivid and evocative, and the illustrations by David Diaz are stunning. This book is a must-read for children of all ages, as it promotes the message of embracing diversity and celebrating our differences.
