Diary of a Worm introduces young writers to the diary format. Worm's diary entries are short notes about finding one's way in the world and some challanges chlidren will recognize. Photos and a report card are taped inside because a diary isn't just about writing. Harry Bliss skillfully captures interactions between worm and friends--I mean, how does one draw facial expressions on a worm? Text, illustration, and inference are required to comprehend many pages. While this book is funny, the humor is in the eye of the beholder. Children will disagree on what's funny, which will lead to insightful discussion.
Doreen Cronin created an unexpected gem for beginning conversations about gender identity. The main character wears a baseball cap, but Worm is never referred to by a pronoun. And in fact, worms are hermaphroditic.
