What good is being Best of All if you are alone?

Wemmicksville is a quaint town.  Everyone knows each other. Everyone gets along.  The much anticipated visit of Bess Stoval threatens to destroy everything the town has created.  Bess Stoval informs the Wemmicks that they are not equal and should not treat each other as though they are.  Some are weak, as

they are made from Willows.  The best are Maples.  Yet, even within the Maples, your ancest-tree determines if you are worthy.  A near death situation proves that sometimes a flexible wood is exactly what is needed.

The story touches on several instances children face:
What would would you do if someone told you not be spend time with your best friend anymore?
Should you treat others different if they come from a different place?
Is it right to look down on others?

There is a Biblical message that could be focused on or left to sit in the child's mind:
The Wemmick Maker, Eli, knew which wood he used to make everyone, and everyone He made is special.

Although this story is a children's book, it addresses society issues that have been around since the beginning of time.  The story has various forms of bullying including mob mentality that you could address with higher students. In the middle of the story, I like to ask my students if they would want to live in Wemmicksville.  They all say "No".  After, we write a reflection if our city has the same issues (every city does) and what they can do to change things.  Best of All would also be a great springboard for a discussion or novel read on racism, such as Othello.

Title:  Best of all
Author:  Max Lucado
Illustrator:  Sergio Martinez
Copy Right Date:  2003
ISBN: 1581345011
Reading Range:  6+ independent reading; 4+ read aloud
CCSS Anchor Standards: R1, R2, R3, & R4