A Door Made for Me, (Hardcover)

“You'll find a door that's right for you — and when you do, be sure to leave it open for the next kid struggling to get in,” Grandpa explains in Tyler Merritt's children's book, A Door Made for Me. ~ What ~ This forty-page oversized hardcover with a matching jacket targets children ages five to eight years old who want to understand racism and how to deal with it. With no scary scenes, it contains expressive colorful illustrations on almost every page. A simplistic font covers the pages. In this short tale that is written in first person, a young boy spends the summer at his grandparents' house. At first, he thinks he will have no fun until he meets Jack, who teaches him how to catch fish. When they catch a bucket full of the creatures, they go door-to-door to show Jack's friends, and the adults do not welcome the boy since he is of a different race. After the boy is left alone at one friend's doorstep, he learns from his grandpa about race and equality. ~Why ~ This is a thoughtful way to encourage children to care for others, especially when some are shunned due to their skin color. I appreciate the drawings were engaging so younger children could relate to them. The book promotes having a caring heart while learning self-worth. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not like a book that mentions bigotry and racism will not care for this one. Some may wish that it mentioned that God can open doors when people become insensitive or prejudiced. Beginner readers may have issues with some of the three and four-syllable words. ~ Wish ~ It would be nice to have a sequel of Jack reestablishing their relationship, especially since it mentions he promised he would be right back and did try later to see him, showing a friendship that can last in spite of parental monitoring and/or peer pressure. ~ Want ~ If you want a book that helps teach children how doors in our lives are shut due to outer circumstances regarding racism, this would be a helpful choice to establish those doors can also be opened. Thanks to Hachette Book Group and WorthyKids for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.