Ace is a bulldog in a military family, so he moves often. When they move, one of the biggest problems children and others face is making new friends. I. D. Simpson's I’m Different. SO WHAT?! will help children learn about making new friends and dealing with bullies. When Ace and his family move to a new city, he can’t wait to go to the dog park. Little did he expect to be snubbed and laughed at. Of course, this treatment made him feel bad and depressed. While lying under a tree by himself, he makes friends with a caterpillar who shares wisdom, then he meets Cooper, a golden retriever. Cooper encourages Ace, then gathers the three bullies and reminds them how each has been on the receiving end of being bullied. Each dog is different, but differences are meant to be building blocks, not weapons. Your child will love this story and learn important life lessons.

I’m Different, SO WHAT?! by I. D. Simpson is a great book to help your child understand the importance of differences and how to deal with bullies. Others may make fun of the clothes one wears, their accent, their looks, etc., but these differences make each person unique. Most children love dogs, so the author wisely uses dogs to portray human actions. One important theme to discuss with your child is the difference between forgiving a bully and forgetting what was done. Memory protects us from future abuse and lets us know when a bully has truly changed. Simpson gives tips to help your child know what to do when bullied. At the end of the book, there is advice from a ten-year-old who experienced being bullied, mazes and other games, and bookmarks to cut out and use. Jael Millan does a great job as the book’s illustrator. Help your child learn the difference between constructive criticism and bullying.

Some people think that being different is a negative thing. However, each of us is unique, which defines us as people. ID Simpson addresses this idea in I'm Different. So What?! The main character, Ace, is a bulldog who recently moved into a new neighborhood. He is excited but nervous about going to the park and making new friends. However, the other dogs tease him about his appearance and accent, making him feel out of place. When he returns to the park, he keeps his distance, and a caterpillar tries to cheer him up. Then Cooper, a Golden Retriever, decides to make things right by bringing all the dogs together to talk about the importance of individuality and mutual respect.

ID Simpson's narration is clear and detailed. I liked this story because it pushes readers to express their feelings, understand the difference between forgiving and forgetting, and learn from past experiences. Ace is a well-developed character because he always seeks to maintain control and be objective, even when facing challenges. I also loved the illustrations; although few, they are colorful and expressive, enriching the story. I'm Different. So What?! is a valuable tool for parents and teachers because it not only deals with the issue of bullying but also offers an interactive read. At the end of the story, there is a section with activities, including tips for dealing with these situations, questions to check reader comprehension of the text, and games such as word search and mazes. The allegory of dogs of different breeds reinforces the central message: we are all unique and deserve to be valued for who we are.