"An astute tale of emotions, empathy, and redemption."
Kirkus, Starred Review
Way Past Jealous
Written by Hallee Adelman
Illustrated by Karen Wall
Published by Albert Whitman & Co.
Part of the Great Big Feelings Series
Yaz is jealous. Way past jealous. Yaz loves to draw, but no one ever notices her pictures. Everyone loves Debby’s drawings, and one even got put up on the classroom wall with a star on it. Now Yaz’s jealousy is making her think ugly things, and even act mean! How can she get past jealous?
Now Available in Paperback
Kirkus
- "This frank portrait of childhood jealousy is both a compelling story and a perfect teaching tool."
- "The protagonist’s journey is authentic and accessible, making it a great way to start a conversation about big feelings."
- "An astute tale of emotions, empathy, and redemption."
Booklist
"Yaz drew her best picture ever. But when Miss Pimmy puts Debby's dog picture up on the Stars of the Week board instead of hers, Yaz becomes jealous. And as their classmates pay Debby even more attention, Yaz becomes the kind of jealous that makes you act mean, feel bad, and think ugly. Will her jealousy grow so big that it will end her friendship with Debby, or can they move past jealousy? Yaz makes some unkind choices but is clearly a good kid feeling big emotions, and she learns that actions have consequences, but reparations are possible. The artwork excels at diverse classroom representation, and both main characters are BIPOC, which is wonderful. This book handles an important topic with honesty, kindness, and positive messaging, including a beautiful and tender moment with Yaz's father. This is an excellently crafted behavioral story that addresses a very specific but universal moment in emotional development, and it deftly, healthily, and subtly navigates through the familiar, murky waters of envy."