[gigglefrog]

I teach fifth grade and for the last two years have been looking for a book where the community is all the same. In the past, we have read The Giver, but the principal is becoming more and more uncomfortable with this idea. I do a huge unit on diversity and need a story to show the contrast between diversity vs. sameness. Any suggestions would be helpful.

[ajmm115]

Could you explain a little more about what you mean by diversity v. sameness? Did you mean you wanted a novel wherein diversity was not an issue? Or did you want something where for one group there is diversity and for another sameness, and the difference between the two groups?

Tangerine would fit the second description, as the main character goes out of his way to become friends that are not the same as he is.

Hothead - Cal Ripken's baseball oriented book for YA would be all sort of the same. It's a terrific story. Actually, both books are very good.

[gigglefrog]

Thank you so much for your ideas. In The Giver the society looks the same, government delivers food, their are no strong emotions, and everyone has the same birthday. Each age has a specified gift they receive that relates to their maturity. Society doesn't know pain, sickness, hunger, or even love. We contrast that with the HM theme One Land Many Trails. They begin working on their own family heritage to find out how they came to America. It has been a positive activity for them.
Thanks