Book Review
Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell; illustrated by David Katrow
Reading level: Kindergarten–Grade 2
Molly Lou Melon has many noteworthy attributes: she's buck-toothed, she's fumble-fingered, and she has a voice like "a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor." But this tiny girl has a quality even more compelling: the confidence to believe in herself no matter what anyone else says or does.
As the new kid in town, Molly Lou Melon could choose to hide her light when classmate Ronald Durkin challenges her sturdy self-esteem, calling her "SHRIMPO!" and "BUCKY-TOOTH BEAVER!" and taunting her voice: "You sound like a sick duck—HONK! HONK!" But our heroine blithely scores the winning touchdown in playground football, balances ten pennies on her teeth, bowls Ronald over with her powerful voice ("QUACK!"), and wins him over with a beautiful paper snowflake.
Patty Lovell's short, sweet, and fun book, illustrated with goofy cartoon-like pictures by David Katrow, is a testament to the power of self-esteem. Molly Lou Melon has a grandmother who imparts such gems of wisdom as "Smile big and the world will smile right alongside you." And "Sing out clear and strong and the world will cry tears of joy."
Molly Lou Melon believes every word, and comes across as big, beautiful, and talented in spite of her apparent shortcomings. Rather than lash out or run away when she is bullied, she uses her imperfections to prove herself, paving the way with her delightfully irreverent sense of humor.
Social and Emotional Lessons in Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon
Using this book in class is a wonderful way to extend the STEPS TO RESPECT primary-grades lesson. The eminently likable protagonist of Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon will act as a charming role model for students. She can inspire conversations about making and keeping friends, joining a group activity, and standing up for yourself (skills taught in the lessons for Grades 3–6).
In its simple way, this book demonstrates each of these skills through Molly Lou Melon's steadfast, confident approach to Ronald's bullying and her engaging ways with her other classmates. In short, Molly Lou Melon chooses to let her good qualities speak for themselves, winning allies and disarming would-be adversaries along the way.
Emilie Coulter
Book Reviewer
Committee for Children
