The Sneetches and Other Stories

Author: Dr. Seuss

First line: Now, the Star-Belly Sneetches Had bellies with stars. The Plain-Belly Sneetches had none upon thars.

Why you should read this book: Four classic Seuss tales brought together in a single binding, including the title story, Seuss’s intelligent and compelling anti-racism opus, in which the reader learns that outward physical appearance has no bearing on an organism’s inherent value. “What Was I Scared of?” is another story about the follies of making judgments based on appearance, as well as a balm against irrational fear; “The Zax” confronts stubborn dogmatism and its effect on personal and social progress. “Too Many Daves” asks the reader to think before making a commitment and provides a bit of amusing foolishness and a palette for Suess to unload a bunch of hysterical names.

Why you shouldn’t read this book: You are teaching your children that your value system must never be questioned or compromised, and to fear and deride people who look different.