Zolotow, Charlotte. 1969. THE HATING BOOK. Ill. by Ben Shecter. New York: HarperCollins Children’s Books.
*Plot Summary
A misunderstanding between friends leads one friend to proclaim hatred for another until she finally listens to her mother’s advice.
*Impressions
Many child readers will easily identify with the main character in this story. She is hurt by her friend’s ignoring her. The narrator claims she doesn’t care although clearly she does as she notices each way that her friend mistreats her. The plot which depicts a familiar situation – being hurt by a friend – is revealed through action, dialogue, and thoughts. Readers are quickly pulled into the middle of the conflict and find a clear and positive resolution at the conclusion of the story. The illustrations also complement the text. The setting of the story is a general location, and the illustrations show the passage of time from fall to winter.
The story is told with rhyme and repeated phrases (“Oh I hated my friend…”). The word attention-getting word “hate” is used in the title and repeatedly throughout the book. This adds to the emotion of the story and shows the narrator’s frustration with her friend. The illustrations in the book feature realistic drawings and warm toned colors which help create the mood of the story. Also the pictures help convey the tension between the two girls by portraying the protagonist’s facial expressions. Finally, the themes of the story include friendship, misunderstanding, and forgiveness. Although these themes are present, they are not overpowering to the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Counselors, librarians, teachers, and parents might us it to open a discussion about resolving conflict with friends.
*Review Excerpts
"When a girl's friend ignores her completely, all bad feelings get out of hand, in this gentle look at friendship."
Publishers Weekly
(Image from infibeam.com)
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