Orange

"Orange" is a beautifully illustrated story that gently introduces readers to the character Orange, a young person wresting with feelings of belonging and fitting in despite their differences with the other personified colors of the rainbow. With powerful concepts related to self-worth, the impact of language, and the importance of embracing individuality, Orange navigates through pain and rejection to discover her purpose, worth, and, with help, a better sense of self. The book provides an excellent springboard for discussions on themes critical to development and various level, including:

• The Power of Words: Understanding how positive and negative words affect ourselves and others.

• Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy: Building confidence and believing in one's ability to make a difference.

• Anti-Bullying: Recognizing and addressing unkind behavior.

• The Beauty in Differences: Celebrating what makes each person unique and special.

• Being an Upstander: Learning to speak up and take positive action when witnessing bullying or exclusion.

The value of diversity, inclusion, power of words, and getting help are touched upon in this wonderful timely and relevant children's book. With the prevalence of adolescent and teen suicide in the world, Orange reminds us that bullying, the intentional use of language, and being included often are at the core of the relation to such a choice a young person faces in that ultimate decisions that can be life-altering or irreversible.