Emily Saw a Door

In this story about inclusion and acceptance, a girl goes from door to door, hoping to find one that will welcome her inside. But when each one turns her away, Emily realizes that the only door that will open for her is the one she creates herself.

Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
It’s me, Emily. May I come in?

And so begins Emily’s search for a door that will open. The first door is blue, and the voice behind the door tells Emily that she doesn’t sound very bluish. The second door says it only opens for tigers, crocodiles, and snakes. But she is a girl named Emily– and the animals are hungry–and so she moves on. The third is only for people who speak very quietly, and the door can hear Emily.

Finally, Emily comes to a place without a door. She gets out her chalk and draws one, then adds a doorknob, and goes right in. And when someone knocks on her door, she says, “The door is open!”

Here is a wonderful book about inclusion, acceptance, and opening doors for others.