goldenglitterydusk's review
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a great book for people who are learning that people do not have to be perfect and tick all the boxes in their heads to be their friend.
I wish there was more diversity, not just diverse skin tones. I want to see more kids who are fat, have mobility aids, etc.
I wish there was more diversity, not just diverse skin tones. I want to see more kids who are fat, have mobility aids, etc.
sunflowerjess's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A sweet story about a boy with autism who tries to find a friend among his classmates.
taries's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
workinginthelibrary's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ashylibrarian's review
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A picture book that talks about the difficulties in entering a new classroom and finding friendship. Main character Henry has Autism Spectrum Disorder and is struggling to find a friend in the new classroom when everything seems to be going all wrong. As Henry navigates his boisterous and touchy classmates, he discovers the true celebration in finding his first friend.
Focused on emotions
Neutral - did not make a big deal of ASD
ceah_reads's review
A Friend For Henry is a gentle story about a little boy evidently on the autism spectrum navigating his classroom and classmates, looking for a friend. Mika Song's illustrations are lovely, and do a fantastic job of demonstrating various characters' feelings, even when they aren't always clear to Henry.
This would be a great read aloud, and does a good job of exploring differences with compassion and without judgement.
This would be a great read aloud, and does a good job of exploring differences with compassion and without judgement.
terhill's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
tashrow's review
4.0
In his classroom, Henry is looking to make a new friend. It can’t be the class pet, because Gilly the fish can’t play on the swings. It can’t be his teacher. As Henry considers different children in his class, he realizes that some of them are too colorful even when you try to do something nice for them. Others don’t listen very well, like a friend would. Other kids break the rules or play with worms. Henry found himself watching Gilly in her fishbowl. Katie is watching Gilly too. Henry thinks about Katie. The two play blocks together quietly and Katie listens to Henry and he listens to her. They play together but each in their own way. It’s just right.
Bailey has written a captivating story about a boy with particular needs and wants in a friend. Henry has strong opinions about friends, ones that make him angry when they are dismissed. When Henry gets too frustrated he ends up in a bit of trouble at school. It is great to see a book embrace the deep emotions of children and not label any of them as wrong. Henry doesn’t have to change at all to find a friend, he just needs some patience.
Song’s illustrations are simple and warm. They depict a diverse classroom of children, all possible friends for Henry to consider. Done in ink and watercolor, they show everyone’s emotions throughout the day very clearly through body language and facial expressions.
A lovely look at the emotions of finding a friend. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
https://wakingbraincells.com/2019/02/26/review-a-friend-for-henry-by-jenn-bailey/
Bailey has written a captivating story about a boy with particular needs and wants in a friend. Henry has strong opinions about friends, ones that make him angry when they are dismissed. When Henry gets too frustrated he ends up in a bit of trouble at school. It is great to see a book embrace the deep emotions of children and not label any of them as wrong. Henry doesn’t have to change at all to find a friend, he just needs some patience.
Song’s illustrations are simple and warm. They depict a diverse classroom of children, all possible friends for Henry to consider. Done in ink and watercolor, they show everyone’s emotions throughout the day very clearly through body language and facial expressions.
A lovely look at the emotions of finding a friend. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
https://wakingbraincells.com/2019/02/26/review-a-friend-for-henry-by-jenn-bailey/
gardenjess's review
4.0
A sweet, and beautifully illustrated story about Henry, a boy on the autism spectrum. I liked how it showed some behaviors that might be common for those on the spectrum, but also showed Henry's thoughts along with them, and the ending where Henry finds a friend was satisfying as well.