One of a Kind

We have been told since infancy that everyone on this earth is unique and one of a kind. And it's true. Each one of us has our own unique features and talents. Unfortunately, not all of us on the planet honors this distinction. Some spout about uniqueness, but when they don't like some of those unique traits that occur, they want to say that some uniqueness is better than others. Some traits are just unacceptable, they say--like homosexuality, for instance. In some instances, a barrier of laws is enacted to corral them in, such as the case with transgender people.

But shouldn't all traits be equal? After all, each trait contributes to the uniqueness of the individual. It's almost comical to me that the source of "all love on Earth" is the first to display a thumbs down on uniqueness. Apparently, God didn't like some of the traits "He" created. Oh, no, say the religious. Those just happen to be sins. I thought sins were by choice? Don't we have free will to choose either God or sin? I'm pretty sure that's what I read in that one book. But we have the right, I guess, to throw stones at certain people for being themselves.

If you are one who truly believes that people are gifted in different ways and that none of those gifts are sins, then it's apparent that you have some responsibilities. You must not only police yourself to make sure your words and actions both affirm your beliefs but make sure that your children understand and accept others as well. There are several books that have been written in the past several years to help your children learn this message. Here are just a few:

Wonder, by R. J. Pallacio, is a book about Auggie, a boy with a unique face. It is so unique that many others are afraid of Auggie or deliberately try to ostracize him at school and other public places. Auggie does his best to understand and forgive others, but when one of his closest friends says some insensitive things, Auggie begins to lose faith in the kindness of others. But when his principal, other parents and students finally decide to honor Auggie for the true wonder he is, more than a few tears of joy are shed.

I Like Myself, by Karen Beaumont, addresses the important subject of self-esteem. When others are not accepting of us, we can't lose faith in ourselves, because we are all we can count on in the long run. If we don't love ourselves, it's hard for others to do likewise.

Be Good to Eddie Lee, by Virginia Fleming Christy's mother always tells her to be good to Eddie Lee, a neighborhood child with Down's Syndrome. But Christy wants to run and play -- and not worry about Eddie Lee tagging along. One hot summer day, though, Eddie Lee takes Christy to a secret place in the woods and teaches her that beautiful things can be found in unexpected places.

The Invisible Boy, by Trudy Ludwig Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party . . . until, that is, a new kid comes to class. When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.

Others:

I Am Enough, by Grace Byers

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

The Black Book of Colors by Menena Cottin

A Monster Like Me by Wendy S. Swore