Bullying and Me: Schoolyard Stories. Ouisie Shapiro. Chicago: Albert Whitman & Company, c2010.
"The bullies made my whole school year a nightmare"- Andrew (Ouisie, 2010).
Basic Description:
This is a book that features 13 true accounts from children and adults who have experienced or witnessed bullying. The personal stories reflect on the feelings they felt while bullied, where the bullying took place and whom they turned to for help. Most of the stories involve bullying during middle school, a time when Tweens are especially vulnerable as they transition from little kid to teenager. A photo of the child or adult sharing their story accompanies each story. And every entry is provided with a short suggestion about how to handle a situation that involves being bullied or witnessing bullying.
Review:
Middle school is often a difficult time for kids, especially for those who become the targets of bullying. Girls will often join cliques and collaborate to victimize their “friends”. Boys sometimes seek out kids they view as weak and vulnerable to harass in the classroom, hallway or locker room. And now technology enable Tweens to verbally bash and gossip about kids in an online setting, where cruelty can be anonymous and difficult to trace. These realistic accounts of bullying support the message that “it’s not your fault” and that “it’s okay to ask for help.” The accounts include physical, verbal, and online bullying that occurred in a variety of social groups, from urban gangs to suburban cliques. And the accompanying pictures give a face to the bullied, making the stories more real and meaningful. Kids who have experienced bullying will relate to the stories and be comforted with the knowledge that they are not alone. And those who have not been bullied or those who bully, can read about the emotional pain and anguish bullying can create. This is an engaging and profound book that provides valuable advice to Tweens.
Genre:
Non- Fiction
Reading Level:
Grades 3- 8
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