Reviewed by La Salle Healthy News reporters

The Buddy Bench
Written by Patty Brozo
Illustrated by Mike Deas

This book is about a group of students who are learning some important lessons during recess.

Many students in Miss Mellon’s class really enjoyed the fun activities that take place during recess, but some students felt uncomfortable and that they didn’t fit in.

The classmates realized that recess can be a lonely experience for some students. The classmates produced a plan to construct a buddy bench. When they saw someone sitting on the bench, it could be a clue that they were having a tough time fitting in and were feeling lonely. 

Miss Mellon’s students learned that a person sitting on the bench needed  encouragement. They made sure they asked that student to join in on the fun.

Healthy News reporters really enjoyed the story.  

“The story was really good because the classmates were kind to the kids who felt like they did not belong,” Madison Sierra said.

“I like the story because they were kind to the kids who did not fit in and included them in all the games,” another reporter said.

“I like the way the story ended because every classmate was included in the games at recess at the end of the story,” Royal Muhammad-Edwards said.T

he Healthy News reporters said they would recommend this story for other kids to read because it talks about the importance of making friends. “The Buddy Bench” helps you become a more positive person, because it encourages you to help people feel like they belong. The story shows the importance of working as a team.