Friendship Has No Color: Timothy's Lessons In Good Values is a children’s social issues picture book written by Christopher Gordon. It was Saturday morning, and Emily was thrilled to see that a new family was moving into her neighborhood. The boy she saw looked about her age; he had a cool hairdo and was carrying a skateboard. Emily asked her parents if she could welcome the newcomers after she finished her breakfast. The new boy’s name was Max, and he would be attending the same school as Emily. She promised she’d introduce him to her friends on Monday. Max and Emily actually ended up in the same classroom where she introduced him to her best friends, Timothy and Billy. At recess, Emily and Max went out into the playground where a soccer game was in progress, but the kids wouldn’t let Max and Emily play. Why not? Seemed like no one would be playing until the Warrior of Good Values showed up.

Christopher Gordon’s Friendship Has No Color is a thought-provoking and well-written story that will get children to realize the things which make us different make us better. I was taken aback by Jason’s attitude and his assumption of privilege and loved how the author used the Warrior of Good Values to help Jason realize that a person's looks have nothing to do with how they should be treated. The illustrations are bright and colorful and reinforce the plot of the story. Gordon also includes an activity page where young readers can discuss social issues and can color the characters introduced in the story. Friendship Has No Color: Timothy's Lessons In Good Values is most highly recommended.

Friendship Has No Color is a subtle lesson in being nice to everyone—no matter the color of their hair or skin. Another in Timothy’s Lessons in Good Values series, this story features several children having a discussion about the new kid at school. Author Christopher Gordon has introduced a new book that will open up all kinds of emotions and responses from children. In the beginning, Emily accepts Max into the neighborhood right away—even though his skin may be a little darker. But when Max goes to the new school, Jason isn’t so willing to accept differences. How would you feel if you were the new kid? How would you react if you saw someone like Jason make a mean comment about the color of Max’s skin? Would you join in the bullying, say something to Jason, or would you stay quiet and not say anything? Teachers and parents will like the reactions of other children and can encourage a discussion of what we can do to curb racism and bullying.

Bold, colorful images will draw children into Friendship Has No Color, and the story will keep them interested. I believe children will be filled with all kinds of questions and emotions after reading this story. A subtle reminder for parents reading with their children that racism doesn’t belong in schools or playgrounds. Teachers will like how the interesting story will evoke discussion. Author Christopher Gordon includes a variety of children in this book that are special in their own way. Children need more books like this with mirrors and windows. A mirror is a story that reflects your own culture and helps you build your identity. A window is a resource that offers you a view of someone else’s experience. (Emily Style introduced the concept of “mirrors and windows” for the National SEED Project.)