Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Are

A girl teased for having big hair and unusual tastes gets the chance to embarrass the boy who bullies her when he's stuck on the playground — and has to decide what kind of person she wants to be.

For the kid who's ever been laughed at for being different, Lucy's story says loudly that staying true to yourself is its own kind of strength.

• Big idea: Kindness is a choice you make even when someone doesn't deserve it — and choosing it is what real courage looks like.
• Vibes: Earnest, encouraging, and grounded in real schoolyard feelings.

• are working on handling teasing and unkind words
• are learning about choosing kindness over revenge
• respond well to stories with a clear moral choice
• are building confidence in being themselves

• Feelings & empathy: How do you think Lucy felt when Ralph teased her about her hair and her food?
• Story & problem-solving: What advice did Papa Gino give Lucy about doing the right thing?
• Real-life connection: Has anyone ever teased you for liking something different? What did you do?
• Imagination: If you were Lucy and saw Ralph stuck on the playground, what would you have done?
• Self-esteem: What are some things that make you, you — even if they're different from your friends?