The Smallest Girl in the Class

by Justin Roberts

Hardly anyone noticed young Sally McCabe.She was the smallest girl in the smallest grade. But Sally notices everything—from the twenty-seven keys on the janitor’s ring to the bullying happening on the playground. One day, Sally has had enough and decides to make herself heard. And when she takes a chance and stands up to the bullies, she finds that one small girl can make a big difference. Grammy-nominated children’s musician Justin Roberts, together with vibrant artwork from award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson, will have readers cheering for young Sally McCabe.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, School, Fiction, Friendship, Realistic Fiction, Back To School

40 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

Grammy-nominated Justin Roberts is an all-star of the family music scene. Hailed by the New York Times as “the Judy Blume of kiddie rock,” he logs thousands of miles on the road each year, dishing out unexpectedly intelligent and fun rocking music for kids and their parents. Justin lives in Illinois. Visit Justin at www.justinrobertsmusic.com.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sally is the smallest girl in the smallest grade, as the title suggest, and she is also the most observant. No one notices her while she sees everything going on around her. Eventually, she gets tired of all the meanness and she speaks up and tells everyone to knock it off.

The story is about everyone, no matter how small is able to make a difference in their world. Things go back to normal for Sally, but they are different.

The nephew was so bored by this book. He groaned through it. It was short and quick and he still gave it one star.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this sweet story about a small, often ignored little girl who notices absolutely everything, including the unkind acts of her peers. She finally finds her voice and the results are so sweet. A great book for early elementary. Made me and my coworker cry at the desk here at the library ;)

[Josianne Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small, shy girl takes a stand against bullying at her school. The rhyming text sometimes falls short on meter and rhyme, and there's repeated mention of kites and wildflowers that don't quite gel, but the message is a good one in this day and age: even a small act of defiance against bullies can be powerful.

I read this to my second graders today and each of the three classes thought it illustrated a different CAC core value. The first class thought it demonstrated integrity because the protagonist does the right thing even in the face of possible disdain. The second class thought it demonstrated courage because even though the protagonist is the smallest girl, she still takes a public stand. The third class voted for compassion because they thought the girl demonstrated "good ways to share with other kids." So basically, the book would spark good conversations on integrity, courage and compassion.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tough it up, kids. This kind of dopey "I stand with Sally McCabe" nonsense only happens in bad picture books.

[Sarah McHugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Yes, everyone there, even Principal Claire, had joined little Sally with their fingers in the air.” This story tells the tale about how even the smallest girl, in the smallest grade, can notice injustices that people around her are facing and can stand up against them. Sally McCabe had had enough of the way she was seeing people being treated and was brave enough to bring the mistreatment to her school’s attention and in the process found that others were seeking change as well.
This realistic fiction text would be an excellent read aloud in a lower elementary school classroom. As a kindergarten teacher I found this to be an excellent addition to my beginning of year books this school year. It works nicely to build and enhance a positive and supportive classroom community and culture while helping to set the tone for the year. Students can brainstorm ways of how they will show kindness throughout the school year, what they might do if there is a problem that needs solving, or how they can be accepting of others that are different from them. If there were to ever be an issue of bullying this text could also be used to help teach bystanders what to do when they witness a wrong.
I consider this to be a WOW-book because of the many social justice implications that it currently applies to. I admittedly received this book at the end of the year at a Scholastic Book Fair as a gift from a former student and packed the book away until this year. When I pulled it out from the shelf to finally read it for the first time I was blown away by my student’s reaction to the text. Kindergarteners are constantly told that they can’t do certain things, that they are too young, or too little. However, this book challenges that notion. No matter your age, race, or gender you have a voice that can and should be heard. When one person is able to stand up for what is right there is a domino effect which leads to social change. If more people in the world did what Sally McCabe was able to do our world might be a more peaceful place.

[Lisa Zinkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is WOWs!!! I loved it and now want to buy it for so many people. Anyone can affect change around them! And Christian Robinson’s dedication made me cry. CR is one of my favorite illustrators of all time. If you don’t know him, check out his books, his fabrics, and his videos!

Everyone should read this book! 📚 📚 📚

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book had cute-as-a-button illustrations, some nice turns of phrase, and a lovely message, though the ending was a bit facile. ("Facile" is my new word of the day--I tried to throw it around a few times at daycare.) -M

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute art, but heavy-handed and simplistic message. Bullying is bad. You should stand up for others. That is all true, but minimizing how hard that is and that it doesn't always work doesn't do kids any favors.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small girl, invisible to her classmates, makes a big statement about the injustice she observes. Good, inspiring message but too obvious and heavy-handed in the delivery.

[Gretchen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, layered story - important message for all ages, with metaphors to stretch older kids' thinking

[Richie Partington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richie’s Picks: THE SMALLEST GIRL IN THE SMALLEST GRADE by Justin Roberts and Christian Robinson, ill., Putnam, September 2014, 40p., ISBN: 978-0-399-25743-8

“And where is the harmony?
Sweet harmony.”
-- Nick Lowe, “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding”

Sally McCabe is the smallest girl in the smallest grade. Quiet and seemingly invisible to those around her, she’s a keen observer of what is going on at her school and in her world. And what so often is going on around her is hurtful.

“She saw Kevin McKuen get pushed off a slide--
and the oncoming tears that he wanted to hide.
And she’ll never forget that Parent-Teacher Day
when Billy’s much larger father suddenly dragged him away.
But through all the mean words and all the cold stares,
no one even noticed Sally was there.
And they certainly didn’t know, or at least didn’t mention,
that Sally was paying super extra special attention.”

Sally’s observing continues quietly until one day in the cafeteria. When she has seen enough, Sally suddenly steps out of the lunchroom line, raises her finger in the air and declares:

“‘I’m tired of seeing this terrible stuff.
Stop hurting each other! This is enough!”

And so it is that the smallest girl in the smallest grade sparks a movement at her school. Many schoolmates join her in opposition to the hurtfulness, and begin acting kinder and more considerately toward one another.

Christian Robinson’s colored pencil illustrations depict a diverse student population. I love the way he requires us to be keen observers in order to see what’s going on. In several of the spreads, a cursory glance shows a bunch of kids playing on a playground. But when we look closer, focusing on the trees instead of the forest, we can see the hurtful squabbling, shoving, and excluding that Sally is observing.

What specific incident incites Sally to cross that line and become a young activist? The text doesn’t provide an answer, but a careful look at the illustrations makes me think that I know. The illustrations show more than the text tells, which can prompt discussions.

What is more conducive to learning than having school feel like a safe place? What is more important for us to learn than empathy, compassion, and the fact that anyone can make a difference? This is a treasure of a tale that will be great for the beginning of the school year. Young students are waiting to see what kind of place school is. Have this one on hand and share it with students to show them.

Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
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[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sally is the smallest girl in the smallest grade. While no one notices her, she is paying attention to every unkind or selfish thing that others do. One day she has enough and stands up to unkind and selfish behavior...and others decide to stand with her. Written in poetry, this shows the power of one person to make a positive difference.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The smallest girl in class makes a big impact on her school. This picture book has a deep message about standing up for what is right & treating one another better. It's a great choice for a unit on bullying or just for a read-aloud at story time.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I too was once the smallest girl in the smallest grade, and I too noticed every little thing. Sometimes it's a blessing, sometimes it's a curse. Sally uses her gift to make a difference in her world.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for young Sally McCabe for speaking out about the things she saw when she was paying extra special attention. Another good book to launch discussions about choosing kind.

[Cheryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah right. If that's all it took to stop bullying, there wouldn't be any. And the blurb is ungrammatical. Sheesh.

[Ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mama says Sally's little button nose reminds her of me. :D

[Villa Park Public Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

Others may not notice Sally McCabe, the smallest girl in the school, but she notices a lot – including when other kids are being bullied. After staying quiet and unseen for so long, Sally decides to stand up for what she believes in, showing that everyone can make a difference – no matter how small.

This sweet story is told with rhyming text, and the accompanying colored picture illustrations add to its charming nature. Although its message may seem overly superficial and straightforward at first glance, grown-ups can use the story to generate further discussions on kindness and integrity.

Check this book out from the Villa Park Public Library!

[typewriterdeluxe · Rating 1 out of 5]

(As always, excellent illustrations by Christian Robinson.)

I'm glad that Sally McCabe was paying attention to all the bad things that were happening at her school. I just wish that she had chosen to stand up against violence when it was actually happening. I am sure Tommy Torino, Kevin McKuen, and Billy would have appreciated a little help... As a bystander she's a passive participant in the violence as well, so I'm not sure why Justin Roberts chose to write the story this way and have that be the champion of his book.

There's a good idea at the core of this picture book, even if the execution renders it useless. Sally McCabe, the smallest girl in the smallest grade, notices everything around her (including how her peers treat each other poorly) and she decides to do something out it. Sounds good, right?

Unfortunately, kids (and adults) need guidance when we're working on behavioral changes, so this book essentially ends at the start. A book shouldn't be getting 5 star reviews for 'standing up against violence' when it fails to illustrate ANY parts of bystander intervention. This book falls into the trap that many of us fall into-- we think that if we announce new rules or ideas or promises that they will just magically work.

Sure, it looks great that all the people in the cafeteria are standing there with their hands up, feeling "for a moment, like the janitor's keys. Fastened together with a heavy steel ring that held the secrets to unlock everything". How are the kids and adults going to work together to make a sustainable change? (and how did those kids make a sharp 180 from thinking that violence is normal to striking cheesy poses and becoming agents of goodwill?)

We'll never know. I guess the cause of their success is a secret that can only be unlocked by striking a pose and picturing janitor keys in your mind.

[Mariela Berrocal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this cute book! The story of this book is about this tiny little girl who is in the smallest grade at school. Despite her size, Sally McCabe is able to notice everything that is happening around her (at recess, lunch, etc.). It is not pretty. Kids are mean and fight with each other all the time. Until brave Sally, one day in the cafeteria, decides to speak up and stop bullying. Other students start joining the great cause until everyone starts once again being nice, kind, and respectful to each other.
I loved this book because of the positive message it conveys to readers of all ages. It does not matter who you are, what you do, or how you do it, you can make a big positive impact in people's lives at your school, community, or world. I also liked the bright, colorful pictures displayed throughout the book and the detailed expressions in children's and animals' faces (mad, happy, sad, surprised).
I think this book would be appropriate for children in Kindergarten to Second grade.
Educators can use this book as a read aloud to talk and discuss the sensitive topic of bullying in schools and to encourage children not to be afraid to speak up when they see and/or hear inappropriate behaviors. Also, this book can be used to teach minimal pairs words. A minimal pair is a pair of words with one sound (phoneme) difference only (fall-hall, light-night, nine-line), and words that rhyme as it was shown at the end of the sentences (mention-attention, another-brother).
The genre of this book is Realistic fiction.

[Ilana Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The realistic- fiction book, “The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade” by Justin Roberts, was definitely one of my top favorite books that I have read. I loved the overall message that the author wanted to portray: No matter who you are, big or small, you have a voice, and that voice can make a huge difference- for the better. I would most likely read this book through grades 3. I would incorporate this book into my classroom to instill in my students that no matter who they are, they are important. I think this is very crucial for young children to realize, as they may at times feel insignificant in this big world, but everyone can shout and be heard. After reading it aloud to my students, I would have them brainstorm together what they think the authors message is and then have them think and come up with ways to ensure everyone has a voice in our classroom and ways that our class could make a difference, no matter how small! I deem this as one of my WOW books, as it reinforces the idea that all my future students deserve and should be granted a voice in our classroom and as an educator, I need to be conscious of providing them opportunities to do so.

[Stefanie Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story about a little girl who is overlooked in school. She may be overlooked, but she does not overlook. She is very observant and what she notices is not nice things. People say and do mean things. One day she has enough and she cries out at lunch that, "I'm tired of seeing this terrible stuff. Stop hurting each other! This is enough!" Well, low and behold, other people start to stand up with her. The few begin to make a change and things get better. Great message in this rhyming book. The illustrations are funny. I like that you see some people being mean in the illustrations that aren't even mentioned in the text. After reading the story and finding out the message, I was excited to go back for a second look at the illustrations. I think kids would like doing this too. Good book for classroom community and about taking a stand for what is right and against what is wrong. Very relevant in today's climate. Big message in kid appropriate language.

[Christine Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hardly anyone noticed young Sally McCabe. She was the smallest girl in the smallest grade. But Sally notices everything - from the twenty-seven keys on the janitor's ring to the bullying happening on the playground. One day, Sally has had enough and decides to make herself heard. And when she takes a chance and stands up to the bullies, she finds that one small girl can make a big difference. Grammy-nominated children's musician Justin Roberts, together with vibrant artwork from award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson, will have readers cheering for young Sally McCabe.

Note: This book is slightly too long for most pre-school storytime groups.

Subject:
Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction
Human behavior -- Juvenile fiction.
Stories in rhyme
Bully

[Brandi Crockett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Sally McCabe and even though she may be the smallest girl, she does big things. She is always paying extra special attention to those things around her, so when she stands up to the school and demands a change, she’s able to give specific instances so that people can learn to change. It also shows how brave she is.
I chose this book because I thought it would be a good first week of school book. It helps to introduce the topic of being yourself and do what you believe is right. This book could be for 1st-4th grade. I would use this in a reading classroom by using it to teach students that they can do the right thing no after what their size.
Genre: Fiction

[Elly Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction Grade 1-3
I liked reading this this book by how I am a very short person for my age. Knowing that at first many people hadn’t noticed this girl because she was very short but after she had spoke up in the cafeteria the other students had started to notice her and know that what they had been saying about her wasn’t nice. Knowing that within the classroom just because someone is different doesn’t mean that students should be treating other student poorly. Within the book it shows how we need to treat students the same as one another.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts is a great book. It is about how all children are different. The main girl may be the smallest in her class, but it shows that it is okay. This is a good book to read in 1st grade-2nd grade. It helps students be more aware of how everyone is different.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The smallest girl in the smallest grade isn't noticed by anyone but notices everything herself. Not only a poetry book but also a good message about how one person can make a change. Illustrations are adorable and colorful!

[yiming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, sweet book.

[Megan Leech · Rating 3 out of 5]

Talks about speaking out about being invisible and not allowing things to go unseen.

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although she is small, Sally’s impact has big ripples.