The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade

Using his characteristic bright colors, Robinson illustrates the story of a small girl who takes a big stand against bullying. Although he typically uses acrylic and collage in his illustrations, for this title the artwork was created using colored pencil. As the title implies, the main character, Sally, is always drawn much smaller than the other people in the story. Similar to many of his other titles, Robinson depicts a very diverse group of characters. Students who are getting their way and doing what they want are depicted as happy, while others are angry and fighting over toys and playground equipment.

The illustrations stay true to the content of the story, without much additional elaboration. The end paper at the front of the book shows Sally standing to the side, watching several other kids play with a kite, and the end paper at the back shows Sally flying the kite with the other children, illustrating the resolution of the initial conflict.

Roberts, J., & Robinson, C. (2014). The smallest girl in the smallest grade. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons.