📘 Lefty: A Story That Is Not All Right
Words by Mo Willems Illustrations by Dan Santat
Genre/Category: Creative Nonfiction/Texas 2x2
Target Age Group: Ages 4-8
Format Read: Physical Copy
🌀 Plot Summary (1–2 Sentences)
In a theater like setting, a Lefty, a left hand personified with glasses and a sleeve with the letter 'L', teaches Righty, also personified with glasses and a lettered sleeve, the biref history of left handed people all the way from ancient times. Lefty also teaches Righty that now a days, it's perfect to be left or right handed because you're embracing who you are.
✅ Why I Chose This Book
I chose Lefty because Mo Willems is a big favorite among early readers, where we constantly have patrons check out a minimum of 10 books from him at once. I also chose this book because my coworker who catalogs our books saw this and thought of me, so she made sure to let me read it first, and this book stood out on the Texas 2x2 list. As a future youth librarian, I want to explore books that engage emergent readers with humor and heart, and Willems always delivers both.
🔍 Evaluation
1. Style and Language
Just like with the illustrations, readers also pay attention to the words, and Willems does a great job of expressing tone through figurative language and varied fonts to highlight important moments. For example, I loved how the conversation begins in regular black font, then shifts dramatically as you turn the page, suddenly you're met with bright, colorful, oversized letters as Lefty exclaims, “FOR BEING LEFT-HANDED!” to emphasize the absurdity of the statement. On the next page, Righty responds with a hilarious and exaggerated “HUBBA WHAAAA!?!?”—showing that the idea is so ridiculous, it doesn’t even deserve a proper reply. The playful use of language and typography adds humor while guiding readers through emotional and narrative shifts.
2. Theme
The book tackles the serious topic of left-handed stigma throughout history in a way that is both accessible and entertaining for young children. While the theme is educational, it never feels heavy-handed. (pun unintended) Instead of lecturing, the story invites curiosity and reflection through storytelling and humor. It encourages kids to embrace what makes them unique without overt moralizing. The message of self-acceptance is clear, but it’s presented with a light touch that empowers rather than instructs.
3. Illustrations
Dan Santat’s illustrations add layers of meaning and engagement, especially in how the hands are drawn to appear life-sized on each page. This artistic choice allows young readers to physically compare their own hands to the characters’, turning the reading experience into an interactive one. Additionally, the clever alignment of “right” hands with figures historically critical of left-handedness visually reinforces the point in a way that kids can understand. The theatrical stage backdrop frames the entire narrative, creating a lively and imaginative setting that supports the storytelling. The visual elements make complex history accessible while fostering empathy and curiosity.
📚 Reference
Willems, M., & Santat, D. (Illustrator). (2023). Lefty: A story that is not all right. Union Square Kids.