The Sandwich Swap

 Al Abdullah, R. (2010). The Sandwich Swap. New York: Disney. Grades 1-3
Written by: Queene Rania Al Abdullah with Kelly DiPucchio
Award: Parent Choice Award, NYSRA Charlotte Award Nominee
Genre: Fiction
Theme: Friendship
Subject Area: Social Science

Summary:
Lily and Salma are very best friends. They do everything together and like all the same things, until one day they come in with different sandwiches. At first it seems like nothing, but the the problem escalates. The two girls cannot bare to be different from one another, but who is right? A food fight breaks out in the cafeteria and the girls have to decide what is more important, friendship or differences?

Initiating Questions and Activties:

1.  Have you ever swapped a sandwich with your friend?
2. What is your favorite kind of sandwich?
3. What is the relationship between the two girls on the cover?
4. What kind of sandwich don't you like?

Activity:
Have a discussion with the class. Go around in a circle and ask what everyone's favorite sandwich is, if another child like the same sandwich as another child you can have them put a thumb up to agree, but don't have the other kids but a thumb down. Tell them that everyone likes different things, no two people like exactly the same things. Then ask the children if we should swap sandwiches or food in general. Explain to kids that we shouldn't share food at school, but maybe they could ask a parent or guardian that they would like to try something new.

Extending Questions and Activity:

1. Why were Lily and Salma different?
2. Why was there a food fight?
3. How did the girls solve their problem?
4. Which sandwich would you want? Lily's or Salma's?

Activity:
Get out a large sheet of paper. Draw a huge sandwich. Include several different layers. Example: Bread, meat, cheese, lettuce tomato, onion ect. Make sure each layer is thick enough so you can write in each layer. Above the sandwich write "The Friendship Sandwich." With the class brainstorm what would make a "Yummy," "Perfect," and "Good" friendship sandwich. You can start them off with one for example: On one layer: Accepting and Embracing our friend's differences.