Synopsis: Morris Micklewhite loves to play dress-up, especially if it means he can wear the tangerine dress in his classroom’s dress up chest. Unfortunately, the other kids don’t think it is okay for a boy to wear a dress, so his classmates pick on him. One day he decides to stay home because he is feeling bad about himself, but learns something very important about the tangerine dress...and himself.
Intended Audience: Pre-k to grade 2
But it might also appeal to: Upper elementary students, even middle school students when talking about identity and having courage to be different from your peers
Weaknesses: Although the book encourages Morris’ choice to wear the dress and be different, the fact that he was essentially being bullied by his classmates is never explicitly brought up and the fact that the positive message comes when he skips school for a day might be a bit confusing for kids.
Strengths: The illustrations are stunning and the story sends a positive message about being unique and also a more subtle message about how sometimes gender norms restrict kids’ ability to express themselves.
Special considerations: Although subtle, the message about gender norms could provide for an interesting parent-child or teacher-child conversation about how toys and clothes are chosen for kids of different genders.
Verdict: Any book that promotes creativity and imaginative play in the same way as Morris Micklewhite absolutely deserves a place on the shelf of a media center for kids of all ages. I would even argue a high school media center could benefit from its presence.
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