Last Pick

Most of us, kids and adults alike, know the awful feeling of being chosen last. The childhood ritual of selecting teams can lift us up to the sky or drop us flat to the ground. Jamiere Jones understands just how that feels. In Last Pick, Jamiere discovers the value of empathy on his own when he is given the unique opportunity of seeing through his playmate Charlie's eyes. In a misleading moment of personal triumph, Jamiere rediscovers his own feelings and realizes the power of caring for others. Last Pick is a beautifully illustrated fictional picture book, aimed at elementary/intermediate readers and their families. The story embraces the power of caring and true friendship. Teachers or parents looking for a book that thoughtfully examines friendship and understanding others' feelings will find Last Pick a valuable and important story to share with their children. Last Pick aligns closely with the social emotional learning standards of numerous states and would be a valuable addition to classroom instruction.