Cassandra's Angel

Otto, Gina. Cassandra's Angel. Copyright 2001, Sterling Children's Books.

This story is about a girl named Cassandra that can't seem to do anything right or make anyone happy.  Her mom thinks she's a complete mess, her classmates refuse to play with her because her hair is too brown, eyes are too blue, and she's too different, & her art teacher thinks she's incorrigiable (too bad to be reformed).
It wasn't until Cassandra wished upon someone to talk to or call that her Guardian Angel was introduced.  Her angel gave her much confidence that others did not.  "Cassandra, you are as bright as the sky's brightest star" the angel would say.  She finally felt like an actual person as herself, and not as what other people wanted her to be.
"I am Cassandra, a bright light" was her next thought.  And no one could change that story. No, they could not!

Intended Readers: Ages 5-9

There may be a few cases in your classroom, where the student's home is the last place they want to be.  In this case, Cassandra's mother complained about everything, rather than any form of praise.  Children need some kind of praise, especially to continue classroom effort, it's just our job not to overdue it.  They should also be reinforced that being unique, creative, or different is perfectly fine & that their gifts or talents should be used in any way necessary.