Different--A Great Thing to Be!

by Heather Avis

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER This joyful rhyming book encourages children to value the “different” in all people, leading the way to a kinder world in which the differences in all of us are celebrated and embraced.

Macy is a girl who’s a lot like you and me, but she's also quite different, which is a great thing to be. With kindness, grace, and bravery, Macy finds her place in the world, bringing beauty and laughter wherever she goes and leading others to find delight in the unique design of every person.

Children are naturally aware of the differences they encounter at school, in their neighborhood, and in other everyday relationships. They just need to be given tools to understand and appreciate what makes us “different,” permission to ask questions about it, and eyes to see and celebrate it in themselves as well as in those around them.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Disability, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Inspirational, Storytime

Audible Audio

Published September 21, 2021

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book that teaches young children it is fine to be different - art and story mesh well - great 'we are going back to school book' for youngsters who may have problems coping.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told in verse, Macy, a child with Down Syndrome teaches other children to embrace their own differences in her own quiet and persistent way.

[IvyInThePages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 leaves out of 5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yeah

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Macy's outlook that different brings light. I highly recommend that you read this book to all the kiddos in your life. Help them begin to form a world view that different is a great thing to be!

[olivia toko · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is about a girl named Macy and discusses all the fun things she loves to do from swimming to dancing. Macy is kind and fun and wants to make friends. The book discusses how she’s just like everybody else but has some quirks like taking her time on things and being a little quieter than others. The book also discusses how others stare and judge Macy. Macy knows she is different but does not look at it as bad thing. The book teaches children it is great to be different. This is a great book to introduce to littles. I would recommend this book to parents and teachers, it brings up great discussions on how everyone is different, yet we should not treat each other differently. Macys outlook on life is so fun and loving and it is such a exciting little book to read.

[Hannah K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Betty Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it.

[Alexis Lantgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different: A Great Thing to Be is a charming children’s picture book by Heather Avis, illustrated by my friend Sarah Mensinga.

The story is about a little girl, Macy, who is different because she has down syndrome. But she’s warm and kind, and she makes friends with other kids. Macy, who is based on Avis’ daughter, comes across as a wonderful character with a great spirit. I also love Sarah’s drawings, which really bring all the characters to life and depict a wide variety of children embracing and celebrating their uniqueness.

Overall, the book has a good message, and many of the words rhyme, which makes it fun to read. My eight year old read it out loud to my toddler, and both kids really enjoyed it. I’d recommend it to teachers as a good read aloud book for any classroom, or to parents looking for a good book for their children.
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[Teresa Unnerstall · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a parent of a son with Down syndrome, I found this book to be exactly what we all want for our kids. The message of acceptance and embracing differences is woven in this charming book both easy to read and with great illustrations. I recommend this for all parents to share with their kids, teachers to include in the classroom and in every library.

[Emily Myhren · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited about this book. It was perfect to share with the 6 year old in my life. I just love Heather Avis and her family. On her podcast or Instagram she mentioned she wants to write a book for each one of her kids and I can’t wait til these are made. Fingers crossed it’s soon.

[sekeina eberson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

This is a book for young children to understand that being different is okay and no matter what you should always love yourself.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it! What a beautiful book. This is going to be my new gift book to give to everyone I know.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story of a young girl with Down Syndrome. The author explains how the child deals with being different and that it's a good thing to be different. A good story to teach about kindness.

Drawback: the child is described as smaller than others, slower and quieter but it's never really clear why. The illustrations don't really make it clear. Young readers are going to ask "why?". I had to look up the author to learn the story is based on her daughter who has DS.

[Sarah Poling · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a diversity book, this is 5 stars. The story is approachable, fun, and engages the reader. The rhyme, creative descriptive language, and emphasis on Different with a capital D. Develop the purpose of the book well. I suspect in a home or classroom it will be an appealing well-loved book read over and over, it's got all those dynamics. The illustrator is excellent and her attention to detail in the illustrations carefully represents children of many nationalities, abilities, and a few differences. I noticed: a wheelchair, a few different skin tones, eyes shaped differently, and even a child with different pigment tones in her caucasian skin. a boy with glasses and a hearing aid.

As a book from Waterbrook & Multnomah a book company that says they help people grow in their faith, it's a very indirect path. The concept or truth conveyed is "Different" enhances our lives. This is a true statement, clearly communicated as a strength, and combats the cultural battle of being afraid of or not interacting with a child who is obviously "Different."

This is biblical- we are all image-bearers of God, so the book's theme is true because it is how God purposely defined those who resemble Him. "Different is a great thing to be!" But there is no spiritual reference, not a statement that God created Macy just like this- or even that He created all humans as image-bearers. This book has no reference at all to any beliefs or faith at all. That is a great disappointment for a faith-based company. I expected the book to have a biblical connection of some sort coming from this publisher. But that would be completely on the reader. This could have been accomplished in a note from the author at the end, or a note to the reader with information about Down's syndrome (as this is mentioned on the book page but isn't clear in the book, although the characteristics and emphasis on how Macy is Different are examples of Down's Syndrome, and then states that God made each person on purpose just the way they are, and our Differences make our relationships fun. So on the type of book I expect from Waterbrook-Multnomah this is a one-star.

[Pine Reads Review]

“Choose to embrace all that you are so others will see that Different is a great thing to
be.”

Macy isn’t like the other kids. She’s Different! And she doesn’t want to be anything else. No one
understands her strange quirks, but Macy doesn’t care. She is unapologetically herself! She is
bubbly, kind, quiet, outgoing, and proud to be Different. Her confidence and bravado soon rubs
off on others, and they, too, soon understand that being Different is a great thing to be!

Different-A Great Thing to Be! is such a cute story that shares the importance of inclusivity. We
don’t have to look the same, act the same, or like the same things in order to be accepted.
Being different is wonderful and the best thing to be. This story highlights why accepting
differences in others creates an inclusive environment. Something I really loved about Macy is
that she didn’t let the other kids’ remarks about her stop her from expressing her true self.
Ultimately, her bravery in being herself helped other kids embrace their uniqueness as well. This
is a lovely book that shows children the importance of being themselves while accepting others’
differences.

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[Felicia Gist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different-A Great Thing to Be was a great read. It was about a little girl Macy who knew she was different at an early age. She loved doing lots of things like reading books, swimming, and dancing to hip-hop music. She didn't talk much to others, and she had a small frame for her age. She was friendly to everyone (strangers included). Even though Macy knew she was different and was fine it; however, other children didn't quite understand why she was so different. They would say some mean things to her. Macy didn't let that stop her from making new friends. When the other children didn't want to play with her at the lake, she didn't get mad or give up - she explained to them that we all are different in our own way. Then, she jumped in the lake to make new friends. They finally excepted her just the way she was. I recommend this book to families who are dealing with children who know they are different from other children and are having a problem excepting their differences and knowing that it's ok to be different. This book will encourage children to except their differences and know that we all are not alike. This book will also help Teachers with inclusive classrooms to explain to children that being different doesn't mean that we can't be friends and being different can be a great thing.

[Mikaila Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different, A Great Thing to Be by Heather Avis is a light hearted story about being confident in your differences from others. Macy, the main character in the book, realizes she is different from those around her but she isn't sad or insecure, she embraces her differences. She prefers to wear blue, take hip hop classes, she is smaller than most and she doesn't talk much but that doesn't stop her. One day at the lake with peers, all the children had laughed at her while they were all hanging out together. That would have probably stopped most from trying to be friends with them but not Macy. Macy jumps out in front of them and says that everyone is different and different is a great place to be.

This book was just an all around feel good book. Heather, the author, dedicated this book to her daughter, Macyn, who celebrates the difference in others and encourages those around her to do the same. The illustrations in this book were beautiful and bright as well.

In the classroom I would definitely use this book to talk about how everyone has differences but differences are okay and welcomed. We all may like different clothes, music, books, etc and that is a great thing. That means we can learn from all our differences and that can bring us closer together as a classroom family.

[Erika Menefee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a young girl name Macy who loves the color blue, like to read and dance, has a pet dog and is considered a little different then other kids. When someone is considered different, whether it be because of physical appearance or how they act, sometimes they are excluded. The most important message in this book is for everyone to create a safe space for those who are considered different. Sometimes helping others.That means accepting others as they are, stand up for them when they are put down and learning to appreciate and embrace our own differences. Sometimes offering a helping hand or a smile goes along way. Macy story is about celebrating everyone’s unique personalities, appearance and being brave in the face of doubt. I would 100 percent recommend this book staring from about 6 months up until 5 grade because children should learn early on in life that now to people are the same and to learn to embrace who they are no matters what the world trus to tell them. Last but not least, Parents and caregivers might ask about their child’s own differences or what they could do to make sure everyone in the classroom is included.

[Annah Neumire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartfelt and truly inspirational book. After reading, you may just learn to love yourself and embrace your differences no matter what they are. Or, you may even realize that differences do not make anyone less than. Macy is the main character in this book and she is different. She knows she is. And she loves it. She loves herself, even if people might stare and tell her she does not belong. That will not make her give up on making friends though. She will open their eyes and make them realize she is human and is capable of having friends.
I loved this book and think it is a great option for my future classroom. This book talks about differences in terms of disability, but it can be applied to many other situations. I believe my students could truly see their differences after reading this and learn to love themselves, and others.
The illustrations in this book are very detailed, yet animated. They would appeal to a young reader's eye and keep them engaged in the story. They provide a visual aid to explain each activity Macy is doing, which is great for readers who may have trouble comprehending.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book, with 1-2 sentences of rhyming text per page, and simple, clear illustrations. Macy is a little girl who is a bit different. She does lots of things that everyone else does, but she's also small for her age, and likes to take her time instead of rushing. Sometimes other people give Macy strange looks or even say rude things, "but the thing about Macy - and the thing about you - is the brain in her head and the brave in her heart know her place in the world is not separate or apart."

Macy knows that Different is good, and she helps those around her realize that as well, and embrace their uniqueness just like she does. The pictures show Macy playing differently, dancing differently, and eventually, everyone else is being as different and creative and she is!

"Now it's your turn, dear one, to create a safe space. Be fearless, like Macy, and choose to embrace all that you are so others will see that Different is truly a great thing to be!"

[Halle Faulkner · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, a little girl with Down syndrome named Macy is followed as she embraces her individuality and learns to celebrate her differences. The pictures highlight the beauty of various talents, races, and cultures while the story is delivered through a sequence of rhyming lyrics that stress the value of variety, inclusiveness, and self-love. Parents, educators, and supporters of disability rights all love the book for its motivational message and positive portrayal of disability.
In the strong and inspirational book called "Different: A Great Thing to Be," kids are inspired to embrace their individuality, the individuality of others, and the importance of diversity in building a more accepting and caring society.
This book is very important for everyone even if they do not have a disability. With this in mind, I would rate it 4 out of 5

[Malak Gaber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is about a girl named Macy and talks about all the fun things she enjoys, such as swimming and dancing. Macy is friendly, entertaining, and eager to make friends. She is described in the book as being exactly like everyone else with a few quirks, such as taking her time and speaking a little more quietly than others. The book also addresses the way people look at and assess Macy. Although Macy is aware of her differences, she does not see them as a negative. The book instills in kids the value of being unique. I'd suggest this book to parents and teachers because it sparks interesting discussions about how everyone is unique yet we shouldn't treat them differently. All teachers should use this book to have students look at this book as an introduction to other students who may also be "different".

[Victor Navarro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intended Audience preschool-2 grade, ages between 3-7 years old.
This book talks about a girl named Macy. She is similar to other children but as different in her own way. She likes to socialize with others even with strangers. But she sometimes is quieter than others. The other children tend to tell her that she does not belong there. But Macy is such a happy soul that she proves them wrong. And she gets along with everyone.
I chose this book because it brings awareness to different issues that we may not be familiar with. Children tend to ask different questions when they see something they have never seen before such as another child looks different or acts a certain way. This book states to embrace your differences and do not be afraid. It can take a while for people to understand, but eventually they will.
Lexile Measure: N/A (I could not find it)

[Kayla Worley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Macy is a girl who’s a lot like you and me, but she's also quite different, which is a great thing to be. With kindness, grace, and bravery, Macy finds her place in the world, bringing beauty and laughter wherever she goes and leading others to find delight in the unique design of every person. Children are naturally aware of the differences they encounter at school, in their neighborhood, and in other everyday relationships. They just need to be given tools to understand and appreciate what makes us “different,” permission to ask questions about it, and eyes to see and celebrate it in themselves as well as in those around them. The intended audience is 3-7 years and preschool-2nd grade. I selected this book will teach students to understand that being different doesn't mean you're weird, it just makes you unique.

[Tori Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a little girl who is different and how it impacts her when people treat her unkindly because of her differences. While it sometimes it gets her down, she decides to point out that we are all actually quite alike but also that we are ALL different and that's a beautiful and great thing to be. The authors message is to embrace all of our differences and also work together to make safe spaces where everyone can be their own kind of different. I would use this book as a read aloud then we would have a conversation and make an anchor chart about ways we can build a classroom community that is a safe space for everyone to be their full and complete selves. We would then display it so it could be referenced throughout the rest of the school year and we could build activities that would help build and maintain that safe community!

[Christine Turner]

Note: The illustrations reflect summer.

Macy is a girl who's a lot like you and me, but she's also quite different, which is a great thing to be. With kindness, grace, and bravery, Macy finds her place in the world, bringing beauty and laughter wherever she goes and leading others to find delight in the unique design of every person. Children are naturally aware of the differences they encounter at school, in their neighborhood, and in other everyday relationships. They just need to be given tools to understand and appreciate what makes us "different," permission to ask questions about it, and eyes to see and celebrate it in themselves as well as in those around them.

e-book, e-audio and book formats are available through HCPL.

[Sierra Kemme]

“When those scared of Different tried to keep Macy out, she just wouldn’t give up, nor did she pout.” This is the story of a girl named Macy, who has Down syndrome. She can do many fun things, but takes the world at her own pace and sometimes gets left out. With determination and a bright spirit, Macy embraces differences and teaches others to, too. “Sameness is fine, but Difference brings to light.” The story is written as a poem. The story does not mention Macy’s disability specifically but touches on some small differences that make Macy unique. I would love to use this book in my classroom on world down syndrome day. I want my classroom to be inclusive and loving and I think this would book would be perfect. I also think I would have this book available for independent reading.

[Taylor Galloway · Rating 3 out of 5]

An upbeat rhyming story that brings to life a critical message that being different is a great thing, and that we should not treat people badly because they are different. The story is about a little girl named Macy who has Down Syndrome she is told that "she does not fit the mold and that she does not belong." However, as the story progresses Macy did not give up, she stayed true to herself and those around her eventually embraced her differences realizing that being different is good. They realized that they should not treat her badly because she is different. This book needs to be inside a classroom as a reminder for students to treat all of their classmates with kindness and respect, no matter how different they might be from them.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different- A Great Thing to Be! is an upbeat story with an empowering message. The story is about a little girl named Macy who has Down syndrome and is told awful things like that she doesn’t belong. Through all the teasing and rude people that Macy faces, she never gives up. Macy stays true to herself and realizes that being different is a great thing to be. Her peers should not treat her badly because she is different. I will definitely be adding this book to my classroom library to teach my students that all people should be treated with kindness and respect and to value our differences. I also enjoyed the illustrations in the book. They have a wide variety of children that help get across the message of celebrating our differences and being unique.

[Dove Tupper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot for the reader to visually engage with throughout the story. It takes a storytelling approach to take the reader into the life of Macy. Different doesn't have a negative connotation in the life of Macy which is important for youth to understand. The language is simple & the illustrations are lively as the book teaches a hopeful lesson that it is okay to be different. Even though the story doesn't have happy emotions in every part there are ways to live that make Macy happy & no matter what differences someone may have this book portrays the message that everyone matters in their way. In some illustrations, Macy stands out in comparison to her peers & those drawn in the story to keep the spotlight on her.