Spring 2025

The Playdate

  • Interest Level: Preschool - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

For one little girl, the prospect of a playdate at her friend Henry’s house fills her with excitement.

She really likes Henry. He even has a funny dog. And although she and her mother have to take a bus, then the subway, then change to another line, then a bus, and then walk for a while, it’s worth it because Henry’s house has millions of rooms to hide in and hundreds of toys to play with.

But while the text tells one story, the illustrations slowly reveal another. As the kids tear around the house enjoying each other’s company, their moms experience the playdate very differently. Soon we find that the little girl and her friend Henry live lives that are poles apart.

This compelling story encourages readers to question why we live in a society where those who have and those who have not live very different lives.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-83629-014-8
$14.24
978-1-83629-016-2
$23.99
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Interest Level Preschool - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Category Diverse Books: Social Class, Diversity, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2025
Publisher Lantana Publishing
Imprint Lantana Publishing
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2025-04-08
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV039070, JUV039290, JUV039060
Dewey [E]
Dimensions 10.25 x 8.75
Guided Reading Level N
Features Original artwork and Reviewed

Reviews

School Library Journal

“Older readers may find much to discuss in what is left unsaid, and educators may wish to use this title to introduce the topic of class differences and the larger issue of economic justice. . . . [T]his title offers readers from all backgrounds quite a bit of food for thought and rich discussion. . .”—School Library Journal

Kirkus Reviews

“The story approaches the child’s and mother’s lives with empathy, imbuing both with dignity. . . . A frankly told, child’s-eye view of the intersection of friendship and socioeconomic status.”—Kirkus Reviews