Be Good to Eddie Lee
Written by: Virginia Fleming
Illustrated by: Floyd Cooper
Published: 1993
If this book were to be used in a classroom, it would definitely need to be done with heavy discussion and guidance from the teacher. While it is definitely beneficial for students to be exposed to examples of people treating others poorly, it definitely needs to be used in a controlled setting where adults are able to tell the students exactly what is inappropriate and why some of the actions in this book are wrong. If it is being used in an older classroom, then more freedom could be allowed so the students can develop their good citizenship skills and put them to the test. However, with everybody being so sensitive nowadays, it would probably be best to save this book for the parents to read with their children to ensure that nobody is upset or offended.
Be Good to Eddie Lee tells the story of JimBud and Christy, who are good pals and neighbors. The two like to play down at the pond together so they can look at the tadpole eggs and lily pads. Eddie Lee is another boy who lives nearby in their neighborhood. Eddie Lee has Downs Syndrome and JimBud does not want anything to do with him. JimBud constantly tries to exclude Eddie Lee from the games that he and Christy play together. JimBud treats Eddie Lee inappropriately, which leads Christy to resent him a bit. In the end of the story, JimBud eventually learns a lesson when Christy abandons him to take care of Eddie Lee.
As previously stated, I don't think I would use this in a classroom. If I did, it would be paired with heavy discussion of the content and why it is inappropriate to treat others the way JimBud treated Eddie Lee. I am happy that the Downs Syndrome community has at least one piece of decent representation in the literature world, however, I just wish it did not have such a negative component. I give this book 3 stars.
Be Good to Eddie Lee tells the story of JimBud and Christy, who are good pals and neighbors. The two like to play down at the pond together so they can look at the tadpole eggs and lily pads. Eddie Lee is another boy who lives nearby in their neighborhood. Eddie Lee has Downs Syndrome and JimBud does not want anything to do with him. JimBud constantly tries to exclude Eddie Lee from the games that he and Christy play together. JimBud treats Eddie Lee inappropriately, which leads Christy to resent him a bit. In the end of the story, JimBud eventually learns a lesson when Christy abandons him to take care of Eddie Lee.
As previously stated, I don't think I would use this in a classroom. If I did, it would be paired with heavy discussion of the content and why it is inappropriate to treat others the way JimBud treated Eddie Lee. I am happy that the Downs Syndrome community has at least one piece of decent representation in the literature world, however, I just wish it did not have such a negative component. I give this book 3 stars.
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