Desmond and the Very Mean Word

By Desmond Tutu, A.G. Ford (Illustrator)

A boy learns the power of forgiveness after a hurtful encounter.

3.5/7 Bookroo expert·4.3/5 Goodreads · 458 ratings

32 pages· 1,538 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud

$16.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Young Desmond's joy turns to pain when a cruel word shatters his day. Guided by Father Trevor, he grapples with anger and discovers that compassion, not retaliation, heals wounds. Can he find peace and see the good in others despite their hurtful words?

From the publisher

While riding his new bicycle Desmond is hurt by the mean word yelled at him by a group of boys, but he soon learns that hurting back will not make him feel any better.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Words: 1,538
Reading age: 6–9
Audience: Picture
Lexile: ~600L

Themes & topics

Books about forgiveness Books about Africa Books about culture Books about boys and men Books about prejudice and racism

What readers & critics say

Reviews

3.5

out of 7

3.5

“This story is based on a true story and has a wonderful message of forgiveness. It has quite a bit of text and is a longer story, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for younger children or those that don't like longer stories, but it's an sweet book.”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one