The Hundred Dresses

Written by Eleanor Estes
Illustrated by Louis Slobodkin

Grade:

2-5

ISBN-13:

978-0152052607

Publisher:

Clarion Books (2004)

This is a wonderful cautionary story about how unkindness and cruelty among peers can truly hurt someone and how virtuous transformation can come about through courage and honesty. Wanda, a young Polish girl struggling to fit in, suffers the ridicule of her classmates and is taken out of school as a result. As her absence from school continues, some of her classmates begin to regret their mistreatment of her. Despite being a target of mockering, Wanda perseveres in her kindness and forgives her classmates. As a result of the experience, one of Wanda’s classmates vows to show kindness and have the courage to speak out against cruelty in the future. This book for young readers resonates with a powerful and age appropriate message regarding kindness, courage, friendship, and respect.