by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld
Scholastic
2013
56 pages
Available March 1, 2013
Exclamation Mark is an empowering little book that should be read and loved by all ages.
The exclamation mark feels left out. He's weird looking. He stands out among all the periods, but one day, he sees someone different like him. He runs into a question mark.
The question mark greets him asking him a load of rapid fire questions: "Do you like frogs? ...Know any good jokes?...Is there an echo in here? Is there an echo in here?...Why do you look so surprised?" The exclamation mark can't take any more questions, so he yells, "STOP!"and suddently realizes his own power. The exclamation mark is powerful--he is powerful! He shows off his newfound courage and power to the average periods and they are happy for him. He goes off into the world, "...to make his mark."
This clever quick read is surprising in its integrity and strength. Every individual wants to stand out; every human has the need to "be somebody" and be good at something. Every child and teen struggles with an identity crisis. Every adult who goes through life changing struggles needs to find her strength again. The exclamation mark learns that it's okay to be different; that sometimes different is better!
Exclamation Mark is a great gift for that young adult who is beginning high school or leaving high school or for that college grad going off to make her/his mark in life.
Highly, highly recommended for every book shelf or desk. Amazon reviewers gave this book 5 star reviews and liked it to teach punctuation to second grade students, but the book is so much deeper than just the obvious punctuation marks.
Kirkus starred review, School Library Journal starred review, Booklist starred review
FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the F&G from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.
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