Crow Boy

Crow Boy, first published in 1955, is a brilliant story. It is as relevant now as ever. Taro Yashima writes about Chibi, a school boy, who is either being bullied or ignored. From the story's brief description of Chibi, he probably has some form of autism. But the story takes place in the 1950's rural Japan, not 2005. Chibi is not labeled at his one room school, he is coped with. He is frightened of the other children. He is always the last in line.
Lucky for him, a new teacher comes to the school. Mr Isobe nutures Chibi, talks to him, brings out his best. His work is up on the walls and he performs in the assembly.The illustrations speak mountains. They contain a lot of local detail. The pallet is a limited one, as with other books from the period.
This is a story about bullying, about transformation, about regret, about giving people a chance. My husband and I rarely leave a reading of this book with a dry face.
My children, both big and small, like to hear this book again and again. Crow Boy is a Caldecott Honour Book, suitable for ages 5-10.