Rebecca Wright

Because Simon didn't understand how to communicate, the other children didn't understand him. This lack of understanding caused some children to tease him, and others to disregard him like the unwanted crusts of a sandwich. When Simon stumbled into a music practice room his whole world changed. Who would have guessed the drum kit was magical? Becoming his friend and whisking him away to the land of Vozori, they encounter many strange and compelling creatures on their quest to find his voice.

This unique book of 100 monologues invites elementary school students to explore a wide range of emotions, developing empathy as well as acting skills. Part I contains 20 monologues that each have two contrasting scenarios which alter the feel of the selection (e.g. You just learned your family is moving out of state. Are you excited or sad?). Part II has 30 pairs of monologues that present the same situation from different points of view (e.g. You're insulted that you and your younger sister have the same bedtime. Your sister is glad that the two of you are treated equally.). Part III includes 20 monologues that provide situations without identifying emotions in order to encourage discussion (e.g. Your mom finally made it to one of your baseball games, but you hit a foul ball through her windshield.). This book can help any child build stronger relationships with their peers, parents, siblings, and teachers.