Description
From acclaimed authors Kate Foster and Kate Gordon, a special story about being kind to others... and yourself.
There are people everywhere who need help, who might seem okay on the outside but aren’t on the inside. People whose whole entire day can be changed ...
Josh wants a friend but he doesn’t know how to find somewhere to belong …
Ollie wants to express herself but doesn’t want to be noticed …
Small Acts introduces two kids with great hearts who know that helping others can start with one small act of kindness. Josh has a plan to start with just that. So does Ollie. What Josh and Ollie don’t know yet is that they need each other to make their plans work.
Review
Josh can’t believe the video his Grade Five teacher has just shown them. It was about people all over the world helping each other and doing something nice for someone. He thinks he could help people too, but first he has to write himself a list and make sure everything is organised. Josh can’t cope with mess or loud noises.
Ollie is in the same class as Josh, and she too has trouble with loud noises. While Josh makes lists, Ollie uses art to calm her mind and help her to cope. Both are shy and afraid of speaking to people they don’t know, as they struggle to keep their emotions in control.
When Josh notices Ollie looking sad he decides to try and do something nice for her to make her smile, but Ollie doesn’t want Josh’s help ... Until they realise that they do have lots in common and, together with Josh’s neighbour, Andrew, they decide to start a Kindness Club at school.
Will anyone come? Can a small act of kindness change a life?
This a truly beautiful story about how one small act can make so much difference in the world. Josh and Ollie are both autistic and struggle in different ways, but they are fantastic characters with so much goodness. They are fortunate to have a teacher and their families who understand them and help them make sense of the world. This book is uplifting, kind and full of the importance of friendship and family, and the story will stay with you long after you have read it. It would make a great book to share in the classroom. We all need a bit more kindness in our lives!
Perfect for all readers aged 9 and up.
