CITIZENSHIP

BULLIES NEVER WIN!

Jessica is a girl in first grade who gets bullied by another girl named Brenda.  Now there are some other issues here, but you will need to read the book....  

Jess has the impression that Brenda is perfect; wears a new outfit every day, never makes mistakes, and the list goes on.  She has built this Brenda into something bigger than life. Brenda does carry it well, holds her head up and scowls at Jess when Jess out performs her!  So you see there is some envy going both ways her; like you might expect in a first grade classroom from time to time.Eventually, Brenda does get the upper hand and makes fun of Jessica almost at every opportunity.  The last straw is when Jess is mortified when her mom packs her lunch one morning and mistakenly gives her her brother's lunch box.  Brenda gives her heck, already calling her 'Toothpick', and Jessica finally tells her mom when she gets home.  Anywho, the next day at lunch, Brenda calls her 'Toothpick' again and tells her she eats baby food.  Jessica stands up and says quite confidently, "Toothpicks may be thin, but bullies never win!" Brenda can't think of anything to respond, and Jessica gets her confidence back!  Perfect ending for Jessica.

Why I like this book:
It is a great book to show a child how to fight fair.  This is teaching citizenship to small children.  Small people can learn how to defend themselves in the midst of lunchboxes and among many different lifestyles, all crammed into a school room.  I applaud books like this!  They make us think about solving our own problems. Thinking about these dilemmas, talking to our families, looking for support, and asking questions, shows us we are not totally alone.  BUT, we are empowering our children when we show them how to problem solve!

Who would like this book?
The best audience would be children who are hungry for ways to make things better, children who are dealing with bothersome friend problems. I would say first graders would be the best audience.

UGLY FISH

This book is a delightful book about why we should not bully!  Kids, grownups, and fish should not bully!  Right? Right!  This book has a different kind of take on bullying and I love it!  Some of my third graders want to hear it over and over again!  

Why I like this book:

This book lets you know what happens to the ugly fish after he has bullied (and eaten!) every fish that has been dropped into the fish tank he considers his.  He gets eaten!  Which goes to show kids and big people that if you bully others, someone eventually will bully you!

Who will enjoy this book?

JUST  EVERYONE!  I would say probably second and third graders would be my target audience.  

Compassion

I'd like for you to hear about this fantastic book, I CALL MY HAND GENTLE by Amanda Haan and pictures by Marina Sagona!  It is a lovely book and I hope you will read it!  This is Amanda's first book for children and I must say her heart went into this book for sure!  She and the illustrator live in New York City.

Another thing I would like to mention is that adults are always trying to find ways to show children the right things to do instead of tell, tell and tell them!  This book helps you do that. I am attracted to books that teach and model gently.  This one hits the mark and gets a high grade from me.  A great read for a picture book with not too many words in it!

What I liked about this book:
The book is a very hands on book.  Looking at the cover makes you want to pick it up and check it out! Simply written and illustrated , it tells what hands can do. They can be gentle of course, but this book offers so much more. It is a reminder of the power of what an individual can, or cannot do. So even though it is about gentle hands and being compassionate, it is also about self-control, making good decisions, thinking about all the empowering ways our hands help us!

Who would like this book:
Children ages kindergarten through 2nd grade most probably would love hearing this book.  The pictures should be seen on a big screen if possible... if you are a teacher or reader of a large(ish) audience.  Otherwise, sit back and read to your favorite little person!