Diverse friendships (age/race)

Mrs. Katz and Tush

By Patricia Polacco

In this book a young African-American boy, and Mrs. Katz, an elderly Jewish woman, develop a friendship through their mutual concern for an abandoned cat named Tush. Together they explore similar themes of suffering and triumph in each of their cultures. This Book will help develop emotional intelligence by showing children how friendship with an elderly person can develop and blossom. Children will be able to recognize and value friendship with someone who is older and wiser. They will be able to understand that friendship with people other than their age group is acceptable and can be valued. This book also develops a moral intelligence towards a different culture and recognizes the similarities between different races and ages.