Should Charlotte Share is a nice character development book. It helps children define what effect their choices may have on others and for themselves. Twenty-four pages in length, each “chapter” addresses a different decision and consequence.  The first chapter explains that we make choices every day and that the choices we make have effects or consequences. The next four chapters target a specific behavior. Each behavior is given four pages; first is the scenario, the next two pages show the good and the bad outcome of the decision, the last page asks the reader “What would you do?” and delves deeper into the outcome of good and the bad consequence.

For example chapter two asks, “Should Henry help?” The first page sets the scenario: Henry’s sister’s shoe is untied. Page two shows that he could help, as we see him tying his sister’s shoe . The third page shows that he chose not to help her as they are getting ready to run a race with her shoe untied. The fourth page is the consequence and we see that when Henry chooses to help, he and his sister can play and have fun. But when he chooses not to help we see his sister has tripped on her shoelace and she can no longer join in the fun.

The chapters include: Should Charlotte share?, Should Henry help?, Should Wendy tease her teammate?, Should Theo tell the truth?  The end pages include a picture glossary, index and notes for teaching. Full color photographs are used. Diversity is present; bi-racial, white, Latino, Indian, Asian and perhaps Native American; however, African-American does not seem to be represented.

This book could easily become a lesson in itself. Due to it’s small size (7″ x 8″) small group sharing would be ideal or the use of a projector would be needed for whole class instruction.