“The Dinosaur Book,” Friend, Mar. 2023, 22–23.
The Dinosaur Book
Sophia frowned. Why couldn’t she like dinosaurs too?
Sophia and Allie were twins, and they were best friends. They liked different things, but that made it more fun! They loved to play together.
One day at school, Sophia checked out a book about dinosaurs from the library. She was excited to show it to Allie.
“You can’t read that,” said Timmy, a boy in her class.
“Why not?” Sophia asked.
“It’s a boy book,” he said. “Dinosaurs are for boys.”
Sophia frowned. Why couldn’t she like dinosaurs too? She put the book in her backpack. She was going to read it anyway.
All day, Sophia thought about what Timmy had said. She still felt upset when she got home from school.
“What’s wrong?” Mom asked.
“Timmy said I couldn’t read a book about dinosaurs,” Sophia said. “He said dinosaurs are just for boys. That’s not true, is it?”
“Of course it’s not,” Mom said.
Sophia looked down. “Then why did Timmy say that?”
“Maybe he doesn’t know any other girls who like dinosaurs,” Mom said. “But Heavenly Father didn’t make us all the same. And He wants us to be kind to each other.”
Mom gave Sophia a hug. “I’m sorry Timmy treated you like that. But Heavenly Father loves you. And so do I.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Sophia said. She felt a lot better now.
“I’m going to talk to your teacher about this, OK?” Mom said.
Sophia nodded. “OK.”
Sophia went to play with Allie. They made up a game called Super Princess Racer, where Allie’s dolls were race-car drivers. It was a close call, but Princess Lightning Cheetah was the winner! Sophia and Allie cheered.
“Want to see the dinosaur book I got today?” Sophia asked.
“Sure!” Allie said.
Sophia smiled. She was glad she always had fun with Allie.
The next day, Sophia’s teacher had an announcement. “Class,” she said, “there’s something I want to tell you. It’s OK to like different things. All of our books and toys are for everyone.”
Sophia was so excited! At reading time, she took the dinosaur book out of her backpack.
Timmy came her desk. “I’m sorry I said you couldn’t read that book,” he said. “I like dinosaurs too.”
“It’s OK,” Sophia said. “Do you want to read with me?”
“Sure!” Timmy sat down by her. “Thanks.”
Sophia opened the book. She and Timmy were different, but it was nice to share with a new friend.
This story took place in the USA.
Illustration by Mark Robison