Bullying: Deal With it Before Push Comes to Shove by Elaine Slavens

Bullying: Deal With it Before Push Comes to Shove by Elaine Slavens (James Lorimer, 2003)

The format of this book is that of a graphic novel.  Different aspects of bullying are addressed either through comic strip type scenarios or quizzes that provide explanations dependent on the choices the reader makes.  Other sections are written in a “Dear Abby” question and answer format which lends the book to feel more like a magazine than a book.  I found the information to be very informative and could see a tween reading this book once it was put in their hands.  There is also a large amount of resource information for adults on places to find more information as well as other books that are similar and also appealing to the tween demographic.  I did feel at times as through I was being “talked down to”, but the format helped to soften this feeling.  Although not an award winner, this book is part of a popular series for school and public libraries entitled Deal With it.

Audience Level:  Grades 4 – 8