Sandwich Swap

Reviewed by author, Pam Allyn.

Written by the Queen of Jordan, this book shows how the power of love and friendship can overcome many differences, no matter how big they may seem. Salma and Lily are the best of friends. They do everything together and are inseparable at school. They love to play games and make art projects together, and every day they sit together at lunch. The pals are high-spirited and their friendship is made whimsical by Tusa’s watercolor illustrations, until one day the girls disagree on whose lunch choice is “normal” and “good.” Lily thinks her peanut butter and jelly is the best, and Salma’s hummus on pita is weird and gross. Salma’s feelings are the opposite and soon the girls’ disagreement spreads and escalates until the whole school gets swept into an enormous food fight. The girls are called into the principal’s office to explain themselves and the school-wide feud they started. To their surprise, when the principal makes them try each other’s sandwiches they discover they don’t disagree at all. It turns out both girls like hummus on pita AND peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Salma and Lily decide to share their discovery with their classmates. A multicultural feast is prepared for the whole school. By trying new things and accepting one another’s differences, Salma and Lilly learn more about themselves and are able to better understand the people in their lives. This sweet, simple story is based on Queen Rania’s own experiences as a child. Little girls will see themselves and their friends in Lily and Salma and will be inspired to settle playground disputes in adventurous and creative ways!

ABOUT THE REVIEWER:

Pam Allyn is the author of The Complete 4 for Literacy, a guide for educators, and coauthor of the six-book series The Complete Year in Reading and Writing. She is also the author of What to Read When: The Books and Stories to Read With Your Child – and All the Best Times to Read Them. Pam is widely known as a motivational speaker on the subject of raising lifelong readers and writers. It is her personal quest to bring literacy to every child stems from a deeper desire to bring dignity to every child, and to empower children to read and write powerfully, effectively and with passion and delight. Her hope is that all children will grow up able to fulfill their dreams and leave their positive imprint on the world. Pam has started a not-for-profit, LitWorld International, Inc., to further this vision.

Similar Posts:

• Duck for Turkey Day by Jaqueline Jules
• Great Books for Girls: Emily Stew: With Some Side Dishes
• Seven Brave Women by Betsy Hearne
• Only a Witch Can Fly by Alison McGhee
• Frankly Frannie by AJ Stern