Lila and the Crow
Description
Lila is bullied because of her dark skin, but the crows have a solution for that!
Lila has just moved to a new town and can't wait to make friends at school. But on the first day, a boy points at her and shouts: "A crow! A crow! The new girl's hair is black like a crow!" The others whisper and laugh, and Lila's heart grows as heavy as a stone.
The next day, Lila covers her hair. But this time, the boy points at her dark skin. When she covers her face, he mocks her dark eyes. Now every day at school, Lila hides under her turtleneck, dark glasses, and hat. And every day when she goes home, she sees a crow who seems to want to tell her something. Lila ignores the bird and even throws rocks at it, but it won't go away.
Meanwhile, the great autumn festival is approaching. While the other kids prepare their costumes, Lila is sadder and lonelier than ever. At her lowest point of despair, a magical encounter with the crow opens Lila's eyes to the beauty of being different, and gives her the courage to proudly embrace her true self.
Awards
- Joint winner, The Year鈥檚 Best List, Resource Links 2017
- Joint winner, Toronto Public Library鈥檚 First & Best List 2016
- Joint winner, Skipping Stones Honor Book 2017
- Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children鈥檚 Book Centre 2017
Reviews
鈥淎 painful story of exclusion and bullying, tinged with magic.鈥�
- Publishers Weekly, 12/01/16
鈥淭he mixed-media paintings are emotive and appealing.鈥�
- School Library Journal
鈥淟ila is a meaningful example of a girl who finds strength in her differences.鈥�
- Quill &鈥圦uire
鈥淥ne of the most beautifully illustrated children鈥檚 books I鈥檝e ever seen. The landscapes and scenes are full of a sense of place and Lila鈥檚 emotions are easy to feel through the illustrations.鈥�
- The Metropolitan Field Guide, 05/26/17
鈥淎n engaging narrative.鈥�
- CM鈥圧eviews, 03/17/17
鈥淭he images created in watercolor by Gabrielle Grimard are perfectly in keeping with the story told.鈥�
- Sal鈥檚 Fiction Addiction, 03/17/17
鈥淎 very powerful story to share with children who are learning to accept themselves and others.鈥�
- Resource Links, 02/01/17