Maverick starts school, during recess he goes to play with other kids on the playground, they told him to go away. 
Maverick asked why? The kids told him he looks different. How do I look different? You are not white or black. 
Maverick is hurt and asks his dad why are the kids like that.

Why don’t you like me? 

Maverick alone on a playground with a background of kids playing together.

Maverick was excited for his first day at a new school. He wore his favorite blue shirt and carried his lunch in a red bag. When it was recess time, he went to play with the other kids on the playground. But when he tried to join in, they told him to go away.

Maverick's First Day

Confused, Maverick asked the other kids why they didn't want to play with him. One of the kids said, 'Because you look different.' Maverick didn't understand. 'How do I look different?' he asked. 'You are not white or black,' another kid replied. Maverick felt a little hurt and confused.

Feeling Left Out

Maverick getting a reassuring hug from his dad in a cozy living room.

After school, Maverick asked his dad why the other kids didn't want to play with him. His dad listened carefully and gave him a big hug. 'Some people are not used to seeing someone who looks different from them,' his dad explained. 'But that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you.' Maverick felt a little better after talking to his dad.

Talking to Dad

Maverick smiling and holding out a ball to other children on the playground.

The next day, Maverick decided to try again. He saw a group of kids playing with a ball and went over to join them. This time, he smiled and said, 'Hi, can I play too?' The kids looked at him for a moment, then one of them threw the ball to him. Maverick caught it and soon they were all playing together, laughing and having fun.

Finding Common Ground

Maverick and other children drawing pictures together at a school desk.

As the days went by, Maverick made more friends at school. They learned that they all liked playing soccer and drawing pictures. Maverick realized that even though they looked different on the outside, they were all the same on the inside. They laughed at the same jokes and helped each other with their schoolwork.

Making New Friends

Maverick listening intently to his teacher reading a book in the classroom.

One day, Maverick's teacher read a story about different animals and how each one was unique and special. After the story, the class had a discussion about how everyone is different in their own way, and that's what makes the world interesting. Maverick felt proud of who he was and happy to have friends who accepted him for being himself.

Celebrating Differences

Maverick and his friends putting up a colorful kindness club poster in the hallway.

Maverick and his friends decided to start a kindness club at school. They made posters with colorful drawings and positive messages about being kind to others. Soon, more and more kids joined the club, and they all worked together to spread kindness and make everyone feel included.

Spreading Kindness

Maverick with a smile, surrounded by a diverse group of friends in a circle.

Maverick realized that even though some people may look different from each other, they can still be good friends. He felt grateful for his dad's advice and for the friends he had made at school. Maverick learned that being kind and accepting others for who they are can make the world a brighter and happier place for everyone.