Bullying with Words

April 1, 2013

Gr 2-3-While these books confront different aspects of bullying, much of the information is repeated across the set. Most volumes emphasize that bystanders are part of the problem, encourage readers to team up with their friends to stop bad behavior, mention creating bully-free schools, and end with a page discussing respect and/or summarizing key points. The information and advice are solid; all the titles suggest telling an adult. What You Can Do lets readers know that if someone seems disinclined to help them they shouldn't give up. However, students will have to slog through many pages to get to information about the titular topic. Though bullies may not pick up Are You a Bully? voluntarily, students assigned to read it will find sympathetic advice on gaining the trust of those whom they hurt, as well as self-forgiveness. Captioned color photos illustrate the pages. Elementary schools and public libraries should pick and choose individual volumes as needed.

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