Baldacchio, C., & Malenfant, I. (illustrator). (2014). Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress. Toronto: Groundwood Books/House of Anasi Press.
Morris Micklewhite loves the tangerine dress in his school’s dress-up center. He likes how it sounds, how it moves, and, of course, the colour. His classmates, though, have other opinions: boy don’t wear dresses. Will Morris let his classmates’ opinions affect his love of the tangerine dress?
This story is timely and relevant, especially as the question of gender boundaries becomes more prevalent. For Morris, the dress isn’t just a dress. Throughout the story, we get to see what the dress means to him and why he likes wearing it.
This is a story for all children. The lesson is imperative for all children: do what makes you happy.
The lovely and inspiring story, paired with Malenfant’s beautiful illustrations, earns this story a 5 out of 5.
What am I going to read? 