I've long been a fan of simplicity and directness where possible, especially in the use of language. So when a very wise 4th grader said this yesterday, I was struck by her efficiency but more importantly her ability express such an important concept at a relatively young age. "We might look different on the outside, but we're all the same on the inside." And her club-mates agreed with her. We read and discussed Mem Fox's Whoever You Are which beautifully illustrates this very simple and profound truth. We considered ways we belong to each other (as friends and classmates), to our families (as daughters and sisters, cousins and moms), and to the whole world (as human beings). Then we made heart maps to represent all these important connections in our lives. My friend and artist Dorothy Valakos kindly shared her talent and materials so each girl was able to create a beautiful piece of art to help her remember the important roles she plays in the world. I hope the girls will continue to explore all the ways we are very similar, because although we might look different on the outside, we're all the same on the inside.

Shared by Virginia, Girls LitClub Facilitator in Baltimore, MD