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.