Desmond and the Very Mean Word

Based on a true story, Desmond and the Very Mean Word is a story about Archbishop Desmond Tutu's childhood in South Africa. In the story, Desmond gets a brand new bicycle and is excited to ride it all around—he can't wait to show his priest, Father Trevor. On the way, however, Desmond encounters some white boys that call him a very mean word. He is angry and wants to get revenge. To do so, Desmond retaliates with another mean word and he instantly regrets it. He turns to Father Trevor for advice, and learns to forgive others even when they haven't said they're sorry yet. So Desmond finds the courage to apologize for his actions and is proud of himself. 

I particularly liked this story because it was written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who is a South African social rights activist. It is primarily a story of forgiveness, but it covers so many other topics that are truly important for children to read. Religious undertones aside, Desmond as a character turned to a trusted adult for advice in a tough situation. This is something that all children need to understand how to do. 

I also think that it is a great book to have in a children's library because it shows that a person of great stature dealt with issues growing up—everyone does! Young Desmond is relatable and I think that his experience is generalized enough that any student could identify with what he is going through. The vivid oil painting illustrations bring great emotion to the character's faces, amplifying the story even more. 

Overall, I think that Desmond and the Very Mean Word is one of the many books about forgiveness that children would really enjoy reading. 

Desmond and the Very Mean Word 
By: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams 
Illustrated by: A. G. Ford 

Published in 2013