18 Jan Review: The One and Only Question
The One and Only Question
Written by: Norma Charles and Andrea Charles
Illustrated by: Ken Daley
Groundwood Books, 2025
ISBN: 9781773069654 (hardcover)
9781773069661 (EPUB)
$21.99 CAD (hardcover)
$16.99 CAD (EPUB)
32 pages
Ages: 4 to 8 years old
Review by: Cassandra Ricafort
Zeke is starting at a new school, but one thing plagues his mind–what if someone calls him the N-word? Zeke goes through his day anticipating being called the slur at any moment, just like at his old school. He knows that this is going to be the worst day ever. However, as the day progresses, Zeke realises there is more to life than anticipating the worst. Not only does he make a new friend, but not once is he called the N-word. In response to her grandson asking her the very same question Zeke asks himself, Norma Charles, with the help of her daughter Andrea Charles, wrote this beautifully illustrated book to help address a very big concern that many Black children face when going to school. The authors address this serious topic well and in a way that is developmentally appropriate for young children. A note in the backmatter includes some ways to address bullying and racism for caregivers, teachers, and students. The One and Only Question would be a great addition to any school, public or home library.