Oliver Button Is a Sissy

by Tomie dePaola

A little boy must come to terms with being teased and ostracized because he’d rather read books, paint pictures, and tap-dance than participate in sports. “There is a good balance between the simple text . . . and the expressive pictures . . . an attractive little book.”-- School Library Journal

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Gender, LGBT, Family, Gender Roles

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.

He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.

Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

muy breve y dulce, como la abuelita de arriba y la abuelita de abajo de tomie depaola (que leí hace dos años... mi nivel de español todavia es vergonzoso). en fin, el mensaje central es algo muy importante - deberías ser fiel a ti mismo, y hacer las cosas que amas.

i have to say that the title is quite horrendous, and it's semi concerning that the bullying ends so swiftly and the story turns immediately optimistic. in my eternal naivety, i'd like to hope that it's less common for kids today to be bullied for failing to perform gender - but maybe this book isn't really as dated as it feels.

[Emelda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would only read this to a child who was experiencing bullying and I thought they could relate to it a lot. I realize how important these first books deconstructing gender roles were, but I'd much rather choose from the newer books that treat children going outside their stereotypical gender roles as normal-ish, where the whole story isn't centered around being bullied.

[Robert Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I can appreciate the idea, the problem for me is that while the ending is optimistic, it is also wholly unrealistic and thus let's down the story as well as the reader.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t like the title, but I loved everything else. Tomie dePaola was pioneering the picture book field back in 1979! I’m all about ignoring bullies and doing your own thing no matter what.

[Bibiana Jurado · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver likes to partake in activities that the other boys don't like to do. His parents decide that he needs to get some type of exercise, so Oliver decides that he wants to take dance classes. He really likes it, but the boys at school tease him for it; they tease him even more when some female classmates have to defend him. Someone even goes as far as writing 'OLIVER BUTTON IS A SISSY' on a wall. He feels sad, but hears about a school talent show and decides to sign up. He performs, but he doesn't win. However, his family is very proud of him. He later sees that the words on the wall were changed to 'OLIVER BUTTON IS A STAR'.

This realistic fiction has a great message against bullying and against placing others in gender roles. Granted, today, some of the activities that Oliver partakes in aren't necessarily labeled as girl activities but children are still able to take away the underlying message of being accepting. What makes this story even more realistic is the fact that Oliver didn't meet acceptance upon winning the talent show; he actually didn't win the talent show at all. It's reassuring that his classmates still began looking at him in a better light even though he didn't get first place.

The diversity in the book is minimal in the book, but the message is there and prominent. The artwork goes with the story well even though it isn't overly engaging for the young reader. The story has a problem and a solution that is clear to the reader. Oliver remained strong even though he faced many obstacles and it eventually got better for him; this makes it fitting for elementary aged children to read. Conversation could revolve around telling students that there's no such thing as girl activities and boy activities, the detrimental nature of bullying, and the importance of being supportive of your peers.

[Stacey Orlando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver Button was a sissy. He did not like to do the things that boys were supposed to do. He liked to walk in the woods, draw pictures, read books, and even play with paper dolls and dress up. A boy yelled at him and told him to play sports like baseball and basketball, which were not things he enjoyed. Oliver’s parents signed him up for a dance class and he was so excited because he got a pair of shiny, black tap shoes. All the boys at school teased him because he danced. They even wrote on the walls that Oliver Button is a sissy. It made him very sad but he kept practicing because the talent show was coming up. His mom even made him a costume because he was working so hard. It was finally the day of the talent show and Oliver did great. He did not win first prize but everyone was really proud of him. When he walked inside of the school he saw that the wall said that Oliver Button is a star.

A very simple palette of colors was used in the illustrations of this book. Mainly white, blue, beige, and green are what you may find. The way the illustrator crafted Oliver and the other children I felt was really unique. He kept them very simple and with facial expressions that were really easy to read, which is important throughout when dealing with Oliver. The story is supposed to be told by the text, which is also simple and kept short on each page.

I thought this book was cute and held a great meaning behind it when dealing with elementary school kids: not everyone enjoys the same things! Kids can be mean to each other when they feel someone is different than themselves. This is a great story to show children that we all have special talents and they should be adored!

[Xiomara Vasquez]

Our protagonist today is a child who does not like to do the things that children are supposed to do. Oliver Button is not interested in football, basketball, or fights. What he likes is reading, painting pictures, walking in the woods, jumping rope, playing with cut-out dolls, etc., but above all what he likes most is to go up to the attic of his house, disguise himself and sing and dance as if he were a great star. And although Oliver does not get involved with anyone his classmates when they have the slightest chance make him feel like a weirdo with whom they do not want to share their games, and after they find out that he was in a dance class, now they have a greater reason to make him feel different, picked on him and play jokes on him.
Oliver like so many children in this situation is not able to face them, but what he does is enjoy and practice that hobby that makes him feel good about himself, besides dreaming that one day he will become a great star.
I really like this great story, very well built in its progression, In our classes, in which unfortunately it is very complicated to be different. Oliver Button is a great way to show our students how cruel we can become with those people whose likes or dislikes do not fit into what we have supposedly established as "normal".
A book is not going to serve to eradicate this terrible problem that is school bullying, but will served to try to raise awareness and educate the new generation. In addition, this book shows us a kind face, the kind face that tells us that dreams with effort and perseverance can be fulfilled.

[Anna M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver Button Is a Sissy is considered a realistic fiction book because although Oliver Button is made up, this scenario could happen in real life. This book promotes a self of confidence as Oliver Button didn't care what the bullies said, he did what he wanted to do and what he loved. This book also highlights bullying which is a topic that is important for children to know about and be able to recognize. Overall, this was an enjoyable book that I would like to have in my future classroom one day.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new edition of this story, originally published in 1979, about a young boy teased and bullied for preferring to do things that only girls are supposed to enjoy. More relevant than ever.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I love the spread where we meet Oliver's father. Comparing that macho Dad with his imaginative, exuberant, creative, dancer of a son?

Right in those two portraits of main characters, the contrast between them shines as clear as day.

* The father looks kind, even kinda cute (if I'm allowed to include that observation, since this reviewer believes she can spot a man who'd give a very satisfying hug).
* Yet this papa also appears deeply perplexed, as in, "How could THIS be my son?"
* While little Oliver strikes me as made for joy and expressiveness.

Oboy, this story is going to be interesting...

Incidentally

Check out the attic room where we meet Oliver's dad. This simply drawn scene has just exactly the right amount of clutter to be believable.

Next, please, Goodreaders, notice subtle details: the cross-hatching for shadows, plus the many other ways that textures are brought to life.

Reminds me of an Annunciation painting by Leonardo da Vinci that I wrote about recently in one of my blogposts about "How to Stand in the Presence of God."

Tommy and Leo. Seriously! Because both artists have a way of making every single thing look fully alive.

For instance, wait until you see "Bill Novak and His Speedy Accordion." (Only the sign reads "Accordian.") Exactly how speedy does that little musician look to you?

So much humor in this magnificent book!

OH, HOW I LOVED THE ENDING

No spoiler from me. But might I suggest? Bring a hanky.

[Ashley Eckard]

Text-to-text connection:

This book after reading it reminded me of another book called Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman. Why? Both stories have main characters that struggle and have to overcome difficulty. Both characters change at the end of the stories after the obstacles they went through. A little side not; Amazing Grace is one of the books I read to my class because sometimes I and they struggle with being who we want but no matter what we can be anything we want to be).

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

In what could be described as something of a junior Billy Elliot, young Oliver Button moves past the teasing of many of his classmates about his less than masculine interests, and along the way becomes a very good tap dancer, in Oliver Button Is a Sissy.

A lot of the honesty and warmth of this book comes from its autobiographical nature, I think. Anyone who has read the stories in the 26 Fairmount Avenue series will easily spot the parallels between Oliver Button and Young Tomie dePaola. Not only do they both like to draw, play dress-up and dance, they both take tap dancing lessons from a teacher named Ms. Leah. In my view, the fact that Tomie dePaola is willing to be so transparent about the events of his childhood makes it easy for young readers to form a close attachment to his works.

My favorites of Tomie dePaola's works tend to come from his releases in the 1970s and early '80s, and this book nicely compliments the body of his writing during that part of his career. Anyone who has ever felt like Oliver Button, a misfit unlike his peers, will be able to take away something from this book and its satisfying yet realistic finish.

[Desca Ang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver Button is different than any other boys at his school. He loves drawing, dressing and playing with the dolls and he loves walking by the woods. His parents put him in the dancing school so he can exercise and he's so happy. He gets his shinny shoes and he can learn how to do the tap dance. Sadly, the boys at his school and the people still mock him. He also (in the end) registers himself to a show talent where he can do his tap dance. Even though, he does not come as the winner, it finally changes his life and stops his friends from bullying him at school. Oliver Button is now a star!

I love the book because it gives good illustration to tell to the children to be proud of what they are even though they are considered as someone different. It also teaches a lesson not to bully others who are somehow "different."

4 stars out of 5

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for kids that are not exactly in the middle on gender preferences. Oliver Button doesn’t like sports and is not good at them. He likes to play dress up, quietly draw and write, and dance. He’s not exactly like the other boys. He gets bullied for his non-traditional activity choices. This book was written in 1979 long before it was in fashion to celebrate diversity, and atypical gender hobbies and activities were a cause for bullying not including. A great story written well before its time.

[Ckorbakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great one for the beginning of the year or if there's bullying or teasing going on in the classroom. The little boy is confident about being himself, even though he's teased for being a sissy because he likes dancing rather than sports. At the end, it's not Oliver that changes but his family and the people around him. This books lends itself well to making schema connections because most students have had the experience of feeling different from others and/or being teased.

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

How many bullied children believe if they become a star they will be loved? I didn't like the way the story was presented, the choice of words, and a false promotion.

[Sílvia Aguilar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bé, en realitat per la lij sempre hi ha lloc

[Class 4B12 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In life people will like different things and get judged for that. This is the same problem for Oliver Button. In the story “Oliver button is a sissy” by Tomie dePada, Oliver isn't like most boys because he likes doing girl things instead of boy things. The story teaches us, don't care what others say be yourself and you'll achieve things. This is shown in the story by his dad, boys at school, and Ms.Leah's class.
My first reason why the story teaches us don’t care what others say, be yourself and you’ll achieve things is because of his dad. For example in the beginning of the story Oliver's dad keeps wanting Oliver to play sports but Oliver keeps refusing. The story then says “Oliver,” said his papa”Don't be such a sissy!” This shows how even Oliver's dad refuses to comply with Oliver liking girl things and calls him a sissy. This connects to my other evidence which is, at the end when Oliver does a dance because he loves dancing even though mostly girls dance. Oliver's dad becomes proud and has a change of heart. This goes with “you will achieve things” by how Oliver was able to make his dad appreciate what Oliver likes a little more.
My second reason why the story teaches us don't care what others say, be yourself and you'll achieve things is because of the boys at school. For example everyone knows that Oliver likes girl things so the boys wrote “Oliver Button is a sissy” on the wall to tease/bully him. Another example is that the story says “Almost every day the boys teased Oliver Button.” This shows that because Oliver likes something different people tease him alot. Also after Oliver's big show the boys saw how good Oliver Button is at dancing. And when Oliver went back to school the boys wrote on the wall “Oliver Button is a star”. This shows after seeing what Oliver could do they stopped being mean.
My last reason why the story teaches is don't care what others say, be yourself and you'll achieve things is because of Ms.Leah's class. For exemple Oliver goes to a dance class and the teacher, Ms.Leah believes in Oliver and doesn't judge him. This shows how some people don't mind what others like and help them achieve great things . Also, Ms.Leah's class makes Oliver happy and that's why he doesn't care when people tease him. Another example is after the talent show Ms.Leah is so proud, then she takes Oliver for pizza. This shows how Oliver was more confident because of someone who believes in him. And that because Oliver was being himself, he achieved many things.
As you can see the theme Don't care what others say, be yourself and you’ll achieve things, is shown in the book by his dad, boys at school, and Ms.Leah's class. So the next time don't care what others say about you and don't judge other people by the things they like to do.That is one of the lessons the author is trying to teach us in this book.

- Anna (grade 5)

[Kieran]

Oliver Button Is a Sissy by Tomie dePaola is realistic fiction book, that tells the story about a boy named Oliver who has a lot of different interests than the other boys his age. Oliver likes to read, draw, walk in the woods, dress-up, and sing and dance, but other boys call him a sissy and even his dad tells him not to be a sissy and “go out and play basketball or football. Any kind of ball!” Oliver doesn’t like to play those games because he isn’t very good and would drop the ball, and he also didn’t like the feeling of being picked last and the team being disappointed that they had him on their team. Oliver’s mom one day tells him he should play something because he needs his exercise, however Oliver tells his mom that he does get exercise by walking in the woods and jumping rope, and that he loves to dance. His mom puts him in dance classes and he enjoys it but he still gets made fun of at school for dancing. Some of the girls come to his rescue and tell the other boys to stop. One day someone even writes “Oliver is a sissy” on a wall. Oliver keeps going to dance practices every week and gets better. His instructor tells him about a school talent show and Oliver was excited and he practiced his routine. He performs awesomely at the talent show and gets tons of applause but he doesn’t win and he’s sad. His family (including his dad) tells him how proud they are of their great dancer. The next day at school he doesn’t want to go in, but when he gets there he sees that someone had written “Oliver Button is a star!”
This is a good book to start to tear down stereotypes about boys and what boys can play or be interested in. The main protagonist of the story has a variety of common interests that a lot of young boys can relate to, and he also isn’t very good at the games the other boys play. I think its valuable for young boys to see a character that represents their interests in this way, and makes them feel more confident about not liking/or being good at the games some other boys might play. This book teaches children to be confident in who you are and what you enjoy and to pursue your interests despite others trying to put you down. This story also shows that you can be successful doing anything even if other people think it may be silly. This story also shows girls as being heroes in helping Oliver with the bullies. This also shows children that even if their parents may not be supportive at first with something they love to be persistent and to pursue your dreams regardless of what the people you love may say at first.
This book offers a simple plot that is laced with deeper meaning and opportunities to ask students questions about issues regarding gender. The book has a lot of things for the student to think about and there are multiple points of conflict that all get resolution at the end of the story. The language is appropriate for children from ages 5+ and the illustrations are simple but nice and can aid early readers into the content of the writing on each page. They also add additional details to the story that can’t be gathered from the text. The other characters in the story are very one-dimensional and they are also unfortunately mostly of fair complexation as well. No group is being inappropriately represented, but the author could’ve done a lot better job representing different races in his illustrations. There are multiple perspectives represented in the story but they are all from one group of people. I would use this book to educate my students about gender roles in the classroom, but I would make a point of asking my students about the lack of diversity in the book. In order to make it a more of a learning experience and to minimize the impact of the lack of cultural diversity I think a reflection at the end would also be beneficial.

[Crazy Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This powerful Primary-level picture book opens with the lines, “Oliver Button was called a sissy. He didn’t like to do things that boys are supposed to do.” Published in 1979, this story pushes against rigid binary and socialized gender norms, and opens discussion for ways of being different while remaining true to oneself. There are 2SLGBTQ+ undertones in Oliver’s story, and teachers can expand on themes and issues as they see fit in the classroom.

This story follows Oliver Button in pursuing his passion for dance, despite harassing bullies, disparaging graffiti, and even Oliver’s own father criticizing him for not being like other boys. With the support of his mother and dance teacher, Oliver follows his dream, and performs in a community talent show; and although Oliver doesn’t win first place, he earns the pride and acceptance of his father and classmates – for being himself.

Even though this is a Primary-level story, and illustrations may seem dated, the themes of acceptance, and support for difference, and issues around bullying and harassment, 2SLGBTQ+ issues and gender norms make this a valuable story to share in classrooms today.

Tomie de Paola is the author and illustrator of a number of award-winning children’s books, including Strega Nona, which can also be used in character education in terms of discussion about responsibility, and accepting consequences for one’s actions; as well as Junior-level literacy lessons on creating characters with imperfect traits.

For educators, themes include: BULLYING, GENDER NORMS, LGBTQ+, STAYING TRUE TO ONESELF, ACCEPTANCE, FOLLOWING YOUR DREAMS, OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

For parents and caregivers -- this is book that should be shared with all children -- they might surprise you with their discussion and insights.

[Enis Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This piece of realistic fiction really captures the joys and struggles of being yourself in a world with such ingrained gender roles. With a rather simplistic plot, it manages to shine where it matters most. Much of the emotions felt by the characters can be felt through the faces and motions of the characters found within the beautifully drawn illustrations. It is with this emotion of a child simply wanting to be himself, and the constant torment he must endure as a result that the book opens itself for meaningful discussion. The book itself also contains a diverse cast apart from the main character and his family, with characters sporting darker complexions displaying a shaded tone and appropriate hairstyles. Whether or not this book is being read to a class or to your very own children, there are various opportunities to touch on the topics of fairness, kindness, bullying, and what it means to always stay true to yourself; even when it feels as if the world is against you.

Many readers will be able to identify with the problems faced throughout the course of the book. Though the solution is basic in concept, it proves successful in the end. In regards to individuality, nothing proves to work better than to walk to your own beat. The second you stray from your path, you instantly lose everything that makes you special. The realism and relatable course of events found within this book remind us of that important lesson.

[Jessica Emly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oliver Button Is a Sissy, by Tomie dePaola, is a story about a young boy who is constantly being teased and ridiculed by the other boys at school because he doesn't like doing "boy" stuff. Oliver prefers jumping rope, playing dress up, drawing pictures, and dancing. When his parents agree to sign him up for a dance class, the jokes continue at school as the boys play keep away with Oliver's tap shoes and write "Oliver Button is a Sissy" on the wall outside in the school yard. Although Oliver's feelings are hurt, he perserveres, going on to enter the talent show and put his tap dancing skills on display. Despite not winning first place, Oliver does win over his fellow students at school -- finding that they have crossed "sissy" off of the school yard wall and wrote in "star" instead. This book is a short and easy read with very simple vocabulary, ideal for children in Kindergarten or 1st grade. The pictures in the book are rather simple cartoon illustrations colored in hues of brown, blue, black, and white. Although the illustrations and the story itself do come across as a bit dated (1978), it is worth giving this book ample credit for bravely exploring themes of gender identity during this time. However, it is worth mentioning that what was brave and bold in 1978 in terms of this subject would not be considered so much so today. Overall a good little book, although I think I would probably want to select something that was a little more up to date for my students.

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

These days I would say that we're all working hard in Western civilisation to break down gendered barriers which place specific societal and cultural signifiers within a certain camp. Children are perhaps better equipped to challenge these and certainly adults are. Yet as much as we attempt to dismantle historical cultural concepts (such as football is only for boys or dance is only for girls) there are those who would still seek to keep them in their place and mock those who strive for something better.

Written in 1979, dePaola story follows the life of Oliver Button whose passions greatly fit those associated with feminine pastimes. He loves to paint, to dance, pick flowers and to dress up. He has no interest is ball games and is most unsuited to them. What he wishes above all other pastimes is to dance. His parents, especially his father, are less sure and the boys at school are quick to ridicule him for them to the point in which he is cast out and isolated.

Yet, quite remarkably, Oliver follows what he knows is right for him and joins a dance class anyway. There he excels and enters a talent show. Although he does not win and is mortified at this, he does win over the respect of his fellow peers.

Semi-autobiographical in nature, dePaola was a gay man growing up in a time when such things were greatly frowned upon by the public. And just like Oliver, he followed his passions. Thank goodness for that.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminds me of other books in which small boys learn to embrace the fabulousness that lies within them, the joie de vivre and contentment they feel when they follow their own drum. Books like Harrison Dwight, Ballerina and Knight, Fred Gets Dressed and Julián is a Mermaid explore boys who know who they are and have no shame in expressing all the unusual facets of their natures.

It also shows the ugly side of stepping outside of gender norms: the ridicule and lack of acceptance from one’s peers. Oliver is mocked by other boys and bullied when they snatch away his tap shoes. Girls come to his defense but that only makes matters worse. His own father frowns at his introverted ways and insist that he just play sports. Oliver should simply “play ball”, a nice little euphemism for fitting in with others. But Oliver rises above all this when he decides he’s going to show everybody just what his little dancing feet can do.

Illustrated in Mr. DePaola’s usual style, reminiscent of Maurice Sendak’s drawings, this is a surprisingly progressive book from 1979 that remains topical and sweet. Boys and girls alike will treasure it.

[Allison Dowdell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver Button Is a Sissy, by Tomie dePaola, is about a little boy who doesn't like to participate in typical "boy" activities like his classmates do. He is navigating through his childhood and finding hobbies he does like, such as dance, paper dolls and jump rope. He is made fun of by all his peers for being different, but once it comes to the talent show, Oliver blows all his classmates away and they are proud of him.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Theme: Being yourself and pursuing your passions even when they are different.

Person reflection: I liked this book because it showed that a boy is defying the gender norms by participating in jazz dance. He is pursuing his passions and getting really good at dance even though he faces judgement at school every day. The one thing I didn't like about this book is that Oliver only received approval from his peers after he proved himself. They didn't accept him until they saw what he is capable of, when they should just accept him for who he is.

Recommendation: I recommend this book to anyone with small children to show them that boys can have other hobbies other than "normal boy hobbies." Boys don't always have to play sports and be rough, and that is something to stress to small children who can stereotype kids based on their gender.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an old classic of Tomie DePaola from 1979. We are going back.

Oliver doesn't like sports, he likes to read and draw and dance. Because of that, other boys call him a sissy. He is bullied at school.

Still, what I really like about Oliver is that he stays true to himself. He doesn't give in to peer pressure and he keeps his focus on what he likes. That's some strong internal stuff there. He reminds me of my nephew. My nephew is being bullied at school some. He is the class clown and he liked having longer wilder hair for a few years. He simply didn't care what people said about him, he was simply himself. He also never stops talking either. This year he did cut his hair, but he still marches to his own nerdy drum, but don't tell him he's a nerd. He thinks he's cool. haha. Makes me laugh.

Anyway, Oliver joins a city talent show and he puts on a tap dance number. He doesn't win the contest, but he wins over his classmates. That's silly, I know, but the book gives us a good ending.

The artwork is classic Tomie, well, the characters don't look as ugly as Tomie normally paints, so it's better Tomie artwork. They look normal.

I like the story. It's good.

[NF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oliver Button is a sissy is a great book to start talk about gender stereotypes.

Oliver is a young boy who loves to dance above all else, but of course, many think he should be doing spirts and typical boy things. He is called a sissy by the kids at school and then they are sure to pick him last for their teams.

When a talent show is announced Oliver knows what he is going to do. He loves to dance. So he practices and practices, wanting to prove to everyone just how good he is.

Unfortunately, Oliver doesn’t win the contest, but he does change some minds- both his father and the boys at school.

I rated this book 4 stars because I appreciated the real life situation that the author shared. I think this is very relevant for many kids and it’s a great way to start to talk about how we stereotype and also about self-love.

One thing I would change is the happy ending, as I’m not sure it was realistic that all would turn out great, but I understand that this is a children’s book and the author wanted to help us start the conversation.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know about this book, but I'm happy that I found it and read it. Tomie dePaola is now one of my favorite picture book authors. I love how he takes autobiographical experiences and translates them for children to read about. They're very simply told and have wonderful illustrations to accompany the text. Oliver Button is a Sissy (1979) is a story about a boy who's not interested in sports, he'd rather draw and read books. When his father demands he gets involved in some athletic activity, Oliver joins a dance class, only to have bullies at school taunt and tease him and draw on the wall of the school, "Oliver is a sissy!" I thought it was interesting to see so many reviewers call this book dated. I think the bigger picture is about anti-bullying, parents supporting their child's own interests, and being true to themselves. My rating - 45

[Mrs. Melaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reissue of a book first published in 1979 has lost none of its charm. Young Oliver “didn’t like to do things that boys are supposed to do.” His father pleads with him to play a sport, but Oliver loves to dance. So, his parents send him to dance school. He is teased by bullies who play keep away with his shiny black tap shoes until the day he performs in the local talent show and his classmates realize he’s a star! At its core, this story gently preaches the importance of accepting people as they are. It has been embraced by many in the gay community and has even been turned into a thirty minute musical (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuBA8... for one of many performances). This belongs in all children’s libraries.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

When planning a teaching unit about Bullying, I again came across this classic story by award-winning author/illustrator, Tomie De Paola. The main character, Oliver, doesn't like the rough and tumble sports & games that the other boys in his class enjoy. He likes to draw, sing, dance, & read. His classmates call him a sissy. His parents say that he needs exercise. Since he doesn't like sports, what could he do? Dance was the solution. Oliver began dance lessons and he became so good at tap dancing that he tried out for the talent show in town. Does he win a prize at the show? Does the teasing from his male classmates stop? This is a great book to include in a school Bullying unit or just for enjoyment at any time of the year! Great for ages 4-8.