Embedded Files
Student Literature Grades 3-5
A Mouse Called Wolf
Dick King-Smith
Yearling/Knopf: 1999
If you are looking for a Dick King-Smith book that hasn’t (yet) been made into a Hollywood movie, this might be it. Named after Mozart (his mother decides he’s such a minuscule mouse that he needs a big name), “Wolf” discovers he can sing. His talent builds his self-esteem and enables him to summon help when his elderly human companion and mentor falls and can’t get up. This appealing beginning-chapter book for young readers can be used to address themes of empathy, friendship, courage, and differences. That it offers a sympathetic portrait of a kindly elderly widow living alone also provides an opportunity to talk about different kinds of friendships and the effects of showing regard and kindness to others.
BP Themes: Feelings, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences, Biases and Stereotypes
All For the Better: A Story of El Barrio
Nicholasa Mohr
Steck-Vaughn: 1992
In 1933 the Great Depression hit Puerto Rico as hard as the U.S. This simple biography opens as eleven-year-old Evelina López is sent to live with her aunt in Spanish Harlem (El Barrio), so her family won’t be so financially burdened. The reader learns about what it was like for her to attend her first class in English, deal with bullying and prejudice, and make friends. She soon becomes a spokesperson helping neighbors with problems, like getting food supplements they were too proud to ask for. From this humble beginning, Evelina López Antonetty became an educator and prolific activist on behalf of the Spanish community in New York, ultimately founding the United Bronx Parents Group. The text is rich with Spanish words, simple drawings highlight important details. The hopeful underlying message is that one caring person can make a difference. This book can be used to help students think about ways that they can work to improve their community and make a difference. Teachers may want to refer to Latinas in the US: A Historical Encyclopedia by Vicki Ruiz, available to read online at books.google.com, for more background information.
BP Themes: Accepting Differences, Biases and Stereotypes, Serving the Community
Angel Child, Dragon Child
Michele Surat
Scholastic Paperbacks: 1989
Ut, a lonely Vietnamese immigrant to the U.S., is picked on by her classmates, including a bully named Raymond. Eventually, class efforts help reunite Ut with her mother, and she is befriended by her peers, including Raymond. Be sure to carefully discuss this critical flaw of the plot with your students: It is not a likely scenario or a realistic expectation that a bullied student become friends with one who bullies her. However, this book has intrinsic value in its anti-bias message, its realistic portrayal of a child brought to the U.S. by her family in search of a better life, and how communities can come together to help each other. Make appropriate curriculum links to academic themes; use this book to spark discussion about feelings, perspective-taking, and bystanders’ positive roles in assisting others.
BP Themes: Bullying, Team-Building, Feelings, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences, Biases and Stereotypes
Araboolies of Liberty Street, The
Sam Swope
Farrar, Straus and Giroux: 2001
In this fable, the Araboolies are shunned because they look and act different from their neighbors. The situation escalates because the family refuses to fit in, and they are ordered to move. Neighborhood children ultimately join forces to help them stay, a rather unrealistic plot twist, but one that reinforces the positive role of bystanders and community teamwork. If students have used this book in younger grades, use it as a free-read choice or to encourage writing assignments about prejudice, the negative effect some “traditions” can have, and ways courageous bystanders can work together as a community to stop injustice.
BP Themes: Communication, Accepting Differences, Biases and Stereotypes
Arthur’s Valentine
Marc Tolon Brown
Little, Brown Young Readers: 1988
Though not “good literature,” the popular series and its PBS cartoon companion may warrant using this book as a teaching tool (rather than just a free-read choice) because it focuses on boy-girl friendships—often fodder for teasing at this age. When Arthur receives a mystery valentine from a secret admirer, he incorrectly guesses the sender’s identity. When his cards are blown across the schoolyard, he is teased about having a girlfriend, and it affects a friendship. This book could provide a neutral catalyst for asking students why they think this kind of teasing happens and what can be done about it. Be sure to also discuss what should have happened to address the teasing in the story. Reinforce discussions with writing assignments about friendship. Consult pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/lesson/index.html for lesson plan ideas incorporating specific episodes into classroom curriculum.
BP Themes: Bullying, Peer Relationships, Gender Issues
Babe the Gallant Pig
Dick King-Smith
Knopf Books for Young Readers: 2005 (20th Anniversary ed.)
When Babe arrives at the Hogget’s farm as a tiny piglet, he has many obstacles to overcome. It is hard not to compare this book to E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web, and many of the themes are similar. Babe is an earnest, sensitive soul, who is deeply loyal to those who are kind to him—he in turn earns respect through pluck, kindness, and respecting humans and creatures alike, demonstrating that “might is not right.” This simple story about the power of love and gallantry addresses overcoming traditional boundaries. There are numerous opportunities throughout to address bullying and teasing, being different, courage to stand up for what you believe in and those you care about, and the rights of others to be treated with dignity and respect. Some of these important messages are not captured in the movie version.
BP Themes: Bullying, Team-Building, Feelings, Communication, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences
Because of Winn-Dixie
Kate DiCamillo
Candlewick (Reprint ed.): 2009
This Newberry Honor book tells the story of lonely 10-year-old, Opal, who moves to a small-town trailer park in Florida. Abandoned by her (alcoholic) mother, she lives with her taciturn “preacher father” and a scruffy dog she names Winn-Dixie, after the grocery store where she found him. The dog leads Opal to make friends with some unusual residents of her new hometown and gives her the courage to talk to her father about her mother’s desertion. Characters are portrayed with all their shortcomings, and don’t always give her good advice, but the book celebrates friendship, forgiveness, tolerance, and new beginnings. There are a few mild curse words and some older readers may find the plot too slow or incredible (e.g., Can you really make so many friends in one day?), but the chapters may be used almost as short stories to focus on themes of loneliness, friendship, and new beginnings. Broader concepts include love, peace, forgiveness and acceptance. Be aware that the movie version of this title is not recommended as it has many shortcomings: changing some of the key characters and adding an unnecessary subplot.
BP Themes: Feelings, Communication
Blubber
Judy Blume
Yearling: 1986
This realistic work of fiction deals with a common focus of bullying among fifth graders—weight and body image. When Linda, a shy overweight 5th grader, writes a report on whales, popular Jill and Tracy dub her “Blubber.” The nickname is soon circulated and the crisis comes when Jill, who decides to be a flenser (someone who strips the blubber from whales) for Halloween, is ordered by her best friend to “strip the blubber” in the bathroom. Jill is forced to choose between impressing the popular girls and not humiliating Linda. While written in the 1970’s, the dialogue and social politics among the girls is still relevant to today’s “tweens” and lends itself well to role-playing, using the Bullying Circle to explore changing roles; discussing name-calling, shifting friendships, popularity and loyalty. This book also provides many obvious links to talking about the motivations and effects of bullying—along with what actions bystanders can take before things go too far. Talking about stereotypes and social norms about weight is another logical connection for health and physical education classes.
Because adult characters are disengaged, and no consequences are given for the bullying behavior, students might be encouraged to write about what they think should have happened, and what they think the adult characters should have done to intervene. Note: There is occasional use of mild profanity in the dialogue.
BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences, Biases and Stereotypes, Gender Issues
Bridge to Terabithia
Katherine Patterson
HarperTeen: 2004
Set in rural Virginia, 10-year-old Jess has a lot in common with his new neighbor, Leslie: they both love to run, both have trouble fitting in at school (Jess because of his interest in art, Leslie because of her scholastic ability and eccentric parents), and both try to find a way to deal with being bullied at school. In their shared awkwardness, they find a soul-mate in each other and use their unique imaginations to create a hideaway they call Terabithia. As with other books by this author, there are no happy endings—in fact the author drew on a personal tragedy (the accidental death of her son’s best friend) to write this book, which ends with Leslie’s accidental drowning. Appropriate for competent readers in Grades 4 and up, this book can be used to explore gender stereotypes, boy-girl friendships, the impact of student and adult responses to bullying, and more global issues like dealing with personal tragedies, financial difficulties, etc. This is available in Spanish, audio-tape, and a movie version (which is not recommended as it fails to address key issues raised by the book, and focuses more on Terabithia as a fantasy-world-come-to-life).
BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Peer Relationships, Gender Issues
Charlotte’s Web
E.B. White
HarperCollins: 2001; Spanish Version, Rayo: 2005
When Wilbur the pig goes to live on a farm away from his former owner Fern, he is forlorn. Teased by the other barnyard creatures, he’s finally befriended by Charlotte, a wise and plucky spider. This classic tale provides many openings to discuss different kinds of bullying; to role play responses; and to consider ways that friends and mentors act as role models who support courageous acts.
BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Communication, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences
Crowboy
Taro Yashima
Puffin: 1976
Set in a small post WWII Japanese village, this is the story of a strange isolated child who (until he is in the 6th grade) is ignored by his bewildered teachers. A remarkable talent for mimicking birds earns him a new nickname, though how well he is accepted or included in his school or community is never made clear.
Though this picture book is written for younger students, better discussions are achieved with students in Grades 3-5. The text and illustrations depict many issues worthy of discussion: the effects of teasing and bullying, social norms about differences (in particular, learning difficulties, like ASD), social responsibility for those who are different and marginalized, the role of adults in setting the tone for classrooms, and how nicknames can have positive and negative connotations. There are also logical connections to academic content as well: exploring cultures and their different social norms; how attitudes about customs and ideas have changed since this book was written in the 1940s, etc. If possible, use an older large format library hardcover edition—it’s easier to read and does justice to the illustrations.
BP Themes: Bullying, Team-Building, Feelings, Communication, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences, Biases and Stereotypes, Gender Issues
Dominic
William Steig
Square Fish: 2007
The author’s engaging use of language and drawings brings Dominic the Dog to life as he sets out to learn about the world. While this book is not about bullying, the portrayal of this considerate, compassionate, generous, and philosophical dog provides a springboard to explore the personal qualities that make a good person and a true friend–qualities such as courage and perseverance, standing up for what you believe is just, and helping and protecting others. There are much deeper philosophical threads that you can follow with older or gifted students as well: the meaning of life, the nature of good and evil, the value of art, and the desire for true love.
BP Themes: Feelings, Communication, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences
Great Gilly Hopkins, The
Katherine Patterson
HarperCollins: 1987
Eleven-year-old Gilly has spent her young life in foster homes. She is bitter, sarcastic, bigoted and arrogant and doesn’t know what to make of her new foster mother, a foster brother she views as retarded, a blind elderly neighbor, or her African American teacher. She lashes out and bullies everyone as she tries to make sense of her life. Because it includes some mild curse words and overtly biased put-downs, this book is more appropriate for older readers in this grade range. It is notable in that there is no happy ending and that it offers an interesting portrait of a girl “bully victim.” It can be used to talk about broader issues about class, race, privilege and abandonment.
BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Biases and Stereotypes, Gender Issues
Harriet the Spy
Louise Fitzhugh
Yearling: 2001
Harriet Welsch is not a typical, loveable heroine. She aspires to become a famous author, but in the meantime, “practices” by spying on her friends and family, filling her secret notebooks with observations and often unkind critiques. When her classmates find her notebook and read it aloud, Harriet finds herself a shunned and lonely, and has to figure out how she can make amends. This book can be used to explore friendship, popularity, and peer pressure; to problem-solve ways of dealing with unpleasant behaviors and making amends when behaviors hurt others; and also to consider (in this age of cyber-bullying) ways to maintain healthy boundaries of privacy, and consequences for crossing them. A movie version is also available as a possible follow-up to compare versions.
BP Themes: Feelings, Communication, Peer Relationships
Hundred Dresses, The
Elinor Estes
Sandpiper: 2004
Written and set in the 1940’s this book focuses on Wanda Petronski and her older brother (economically struggling Eastern European immigrants), as they try to fit into a new school. The story is told by Maddie, the best friend of a girl who baits and bullies Wanda. Though uncomfortable, Maddie gives into peer pressure and joins in. After Wanda’s brother fights with a boy who bullies him, the Petronskis leave town without a trace and Maddie is left with a guilty conscience and no way to make amends. This story has much potential (using the Bullying Circle) to practice perspective-taking from different roles, to discuss the effects of “harmless” teasing, and the role of peer pressure. There are numerous academic links to social study curricula about immigration, social class and other discrimination. Encourage students to consider when bullying crosses the line to more serious behaviors (such as discrimination). Because the text and illustrations depict “traditional” stereotypes about the ways boys and girls were expected to look and act, there are also openings to discuss gender issues as well.
BP Themes: Bullying, Peer Relationships, Biases and Stereotypes, Gender Issues
Leonardo daVinci
Diane Stanley
HarperCollins: 2000
This beautifully illustrated biography chronicles the life of the famous artist, scientist and inventor from birth to death. Students may be surprised to learn that this man, who was centuries ahead of his time, was relatively uneducated, as a result of circumstances of his birth. For all his prolific accomplishments, he was also a bit of an odd duck. He was so restless and had such a short attention span that he often failed to complete his paintings; he was solitary his entire life, and had a penchant for “backwards writing.” In addition to academic links exploring da Vinci’s many talents and contributions, and exploring the effects of stereotypes, class, and privilege that shaped his upbringing, students might be encouraged to think about how they would react if Leonardo was the kid sitting at the desk next to them!
BP Themes: Accepting Differences
Michelangelo
Diane Stanley
HarperCollins: 2003
This detailed and magnificently illustrated biography of Michelangelo Buonarroti documents his artistic genius as a man who was an accomplished sculptor, painter, and architect and is known as one of the greatest artists of all time. We also learn that he was not exactly a nice man: he was irritable, arrogant, impatient, and his perfectionism, unrealistic expectations and lack of humility drove away many potential friends. This book provides solid academic connections to art, mathematics, and history, along with options to talk about the human side of this great man—to consider what it takes to be a good friend, and what it might be like to try to befriend such a character.
BP Themes: Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences
Matilda
Roald Dahl
Puffin: 2007; Spanish translation, Alfaguara Infantil: 2005
One of Roald Dahl’s most enduring (and endearing) characters, Matilda, is a genius. But she suffers cruel and neglectful treatment first at the hands of her doltish, obnoxious, dishonest parents (who scapegoat her for everything), and then a tyrannical boarding school that has struck terror into generations of its students. Dahl’s over-the-top characterizations and humor do create some unfair stereotypes, but the message that one can overcome anything (particularly with the support of a loving and understanding adult like Miss Honey) shines through. Review British vocabulary words with students in advance, and guide them to discuss the power of love, friendship, courage, loyalty, and the dangers of retaliation. The book is available in a Spanish translation and a passable movie version (but students will find the book much more satisfying).
BP Themes: Bullying, Team-Building, Feelings, Communication, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences, Biases and Stereotypes, Gender Issues
Molly’s Pilgrim
Barbara Cohen
HarperCollins (revised ed.): 1998
Molly, a newly arrived Jewish immigrant from Russia, hates her new school. Her third grade classmates tease and exclude her, making fun of her old-world clothes and accent. When the teacher assigns a project to make a doll for their Thanksgiving unit, Molly’s mother helps and, much to Molly’s embarrassment, creates a doll that looks like a Russian peasant. This easy chapter book can be used to talk about the line between bullying and discrimination, the barriers created by stereotypes, and the responsibilities of bystanders to step in. A teacher guide including cross-curricular lessons by Susan Kilpatrick (Teacher Created Resources: 2004) is available separately.
BP Themes: Bullying, Team-Building, Feelings, Communication, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences, Biases and Stereotypes, Gender Issues
Moon Runner
Carolyn Marsden
Candlewick: 2007
A somewhat timid new girl, Mina is relieved to be accepted by the fourth-grade clique of girls known as the “the Fellow Friends” group, who engage in many rituals common among 4th grade girls. Mina discovers she is good at running—and finds herself purposely losing a race against one of her new friends out of fear of jeopardizing their friendship. She must face her own disappointment and her friend’s reaction. The resolution to the conflict is a bit pat, so encourage students to discuss whether this solution is realistic and even write more realistic alternate endings. Use this book to talk about peer pressure, being true to oneself, the need for give-and-take and honesty in friendships, what it means to act like a true friend, and the ethical dilemma of “hiding your own light under a bushel” to preserve a friendship. While the characters in this book are all girls, these are issues that boys can relate to as well.
BP Themes: Bullying, Peer Relationships, Gender Issues
My Secret Bully
Trudy Ludwig
Tricycle Press: 2005
This overtly bibliotherapy self-help book is one of several by this author tackling the topic of bullying—this one focuses on relational bullying. Monica and Katie have been friends since kindergarten, but lately Katie increasingly excludes and publically embarrasses Monica. Monica’s confusion and hurt feelings are realistically portrayed and when she finally tells her mother what’s going on, she gets positive support and realistic advice that models assertive behavior. The author includes discussion points; however, there are several key flaws that need to be addressed when using this book. First, while Monica’s mother supports her daughter, no adults at school take action. Second, no peers provide support or are engaged in a positive way. Both these issues need to be addressed and raised as points for student discussion and problem-solving (e.g. Why do you think Monica didn’t talk to her teacher? What do you think would have happened if she had? Why didn’t other kids try to help her? What could bystanders do when they see these kinds of things happen, even if they don’t like the student being bullied?). In addition, although the main characters are girls, be sure to acknowledge that boys are also subject to this type of bullying—and invite students to discuss the reasons for that and ways that boys and girls may react and respond differently. Be sure to discuss bystander responsibility here as well. Lists of resources for adults and children are included.
BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Peer Relationships, Gender Issues
Nobody Knew What to Do: A Story About Bullying
Becky Ray McCain
Albert Whitman & Company: 2001
This simple book packs a lot into its text and uses very well-rendered and realistic paintings to depict the emotional content. Told from the perspective of a bystander who finds the courage to report a bullying problem to a teacher, it is unique in that it portrays an engaged bystander, active adults, and shows the important steps a school needs to follow using “best practices” to address bullying. Although written to appeal to somewhat younger students, third graders can be engaged in a lively discussion about the dilemmas faced by bystanders and to role play both solutions and motivations. The book ends with some guidance for adults. The only word of caution has to do with not confusing the author’s recommendation for a “no tolerance” approach to bullying with “zero tolerance,” which is not a recommended best practice. Otherwise, this book provides realistic basic strategies for dealing with bullying and shows how children and adults can work together to stop and prevent bullying. At the same time, it can be used as a catalyst for teaching tolerance and understanding for students perceived as “weaker” or different (e.g. the bullied child might have learning difficulties). Students this age should also be encouraged to consider the effect gender has on bullying.
BP Themes: Bullying, Peer Relationships, Gender Issues
Ramona the Pest
Beverly Cleary
Harper Collins: 1992; Spanish version, Rayo (Tra ed.): 1996
This engaging chapter book depicts the challenges and delights of young Ramona Quimby as she begins kindergarten. Ramona loves her teacher and school, though she is tormented about having to wear hand-me-downs. She is energetic to a fault, often annoying her classmates with her lack of impulse control. Like Judy Bloom’s Fudge books, students in this age range will appreciate the opportunity to talk about feelings associated with dealing with younger siblings, particularly when they attend the same school. Because sibling bullying is often transferred to school, consider a follow-up activity that leads students to consider mentoring younger students—to build understanding, cooperation, and leadership. Also available in Spanish.
BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Communication, Peer Relationships, Serving the Community
Say Something
Peggy Moss
Tilbury House Publishers: 2008
This obviously didactic book seems intended to generate discussion. While the simple text seems appropriate for younger readers, third and fourth graders are more likely to grasp and discuss the topics meaningfully. The stylized watercolor illustrations show a widely diverse group of students and accurately depict facial expression and body language. This book is narrated by a bystander, a young girl who describes bullying incidents she witnesses at school and on the bus, but who remains silent (and apparently unfazed). It is not until she is bullied that she seems to grasp the hurtful impact that disengaged bystanders have on chronically bullied peers. Her anger and frustration about no one assisting her results in a well-intentioned, though pat and superficial, ending—and her transformation seems a little “out of the blue.” However, the final pages, if used by a teacher to generate student discussion, rather than as teaching points, can yield some interesting discussion and problem-solving. Be sure to reinforce that while one person can make a difference, working together is even more effective.
BP Themes: Bullying, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences
Sneetches, The and Other Stories
Dr. Seuss
Random House: 1961
This picture book contains four stories which can be used to discuss discrimination and prejudice, conflicts, peer pressure, perspective-taking, friendship, problem solving and other bullying prevention themes. The Sneetches provides academic connections for talking about civil rights and the Holocaust, and is also useful for addressing peer pressure and exploitation. The Zax (about two creatures that literally refuse to budge an inch to resolve a disagreement) can be used to brainstorm and evaluate resolutions and to explore the way “give and take” can help maintain friendly relationships. Though written for younger children, the underlying concepts in these two stories are sophisticated enough to appeal to students in this age group and can lead to lively discussions and interesting writing assignments.
BP Themes: Communication, Peer Relationships, Biases and Stereotypes
Sorry
Trudy Ludwig
Tricycle Press: 2006
Another in a series of bibliotherapy books, this one deals with the ubiquitous insincere apology. Jack’s friend Charlie has a habit of behaving badly and seems to get away with it by saying he’s sorry—even though he clearly isn’t. Jack doesn’t like this about Charlie but is conflicted about what to do because Charlie makes him feel important and popular. When Charlie damages Leena’s science-fair project, she tells him that “Sorry doesn’t cut it!” and a teacher helps him understand that he has to make amends for the hurt and damage he has caused. Unfortunately, the solution (that Charlie and Jack repair Leena’s project) doesn’t cut it either—it is unrealistic and contrived, as is the fact that Jack ultimately chooses Leena’s company over Charlie’s. Although the illustrations capture the character’s emotions well and add to the text, older student may not find the character’s voices authentic. This book, a popular choice in many classrooms, needs to be presented carefully, with attention to its flaws. An afterword explains how some apologies heal while other hurt, offers a four-part apology explanation, and discusses the purpose of an apology. This book has some value as a teaching tool to raise this issue and to provide a catalyst for meaningful role play on this topic; a real apology is not only genuinely remorseful, it takes into account the need of the injured party for reparation that is meaningful to them!
BP Themes: Bullying, Communication, Peer Relationships
Through My Eyes
Ruby Bridges
Scholastic Press: September 1, 1999
Surrounded by federal marshals, six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first black student ever at the all-white William Frantz Public School in New Orleans, Louisiana, on November 14, 1960. An icon of innocence in the face of intolerance and hatred, this remarkable memoir, told in simple language, conveys her compassion. Interspersed with quotes from newspapers, family members, teacher Barbara Henry, and an informative update on Bridges’ life and civil rights work, this simple book offers more depth for Grades 3-5 than Robert Cole’s picture book on the same topic. As a follow-up, teachers may want to show the (Disney) made-for-TV Story of Ruby Bridges or visit the official Web site (www.rubybridges.com) or show students the Norman Rockwell painting memorializing Ruby’s walk into school. The messages about hatred, intolerance, compassion and caring offer numerous connections to bullying prevention themes and academic concepts and curricula.
BP Themes: Bullying, Biases and Stereotypes
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Judy Bloom
Puffin: 2007
This is the first in the series of books that follow Peter Hatcher; his little brother, Fudge; baby sister, Tootsie; their neighbor, Sheila Tubman; various pets, and minor characters through New York City and on treks to suburbs and camps. Though written in the 1970’s, it stands the test of time, as the author humorously and accurately conveys what it feels like to be “a fourth grade nothing” in a family with three siblings (including the “disgustingly cute” little brother, Fudge). This is one of the few books for this age group that sensitively features boys expressing a range of feelings such as fear and frustrations in everyday life, and can be used to talk about why boys may be hesitant to express feelings such as fear, sadness, and caring.
BP Themes: Feelings, Peer Relationships, Gender Issues
Teammates
Peter Golenbock
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich: 1990
This dense picture book presents the true story of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American Major League baseball player. Handpicked by Branch Rickey because he could stay calm in the face of adversity, Robinson endured intense racial discrimination and humiliation—and kept his cool. It is also the story of a friendship between two would-be competitors—Robinson and teammate, Pee Wee Reese. The text provides details about baseball, bound to appeal to young fans, and offers an age-appropriate way to address the more complex issues of racism faced by these men. The story portrays many aspects of personal courage and how even a simple act can lead to change.
BP Themes: Team-Building, Feelings, Peer Relationships, Biases and Stereotypes
Thanksgiving Visitor, The
Truman Capote
Knopf Books for Young Readers: 1996
This beautifully illustrated story is an autobiographical reminiscence of Capote’s life with eccentric older relatives who raised him in 1930’s rural Alabama. Buddy, a lonely second grader, is relentlessly bullied at the hands of an older boy, Odd Henderson, who declares: “You’re a sissy and I’m just straightening you out.” The denial and ineffectiveness of the adults to stop the bullying culminates with his cousin demanding that Buddy invite Odd to Thanksgiving dinner, knowing full well how Odd had tormented Buddy. The story ends with an unexpected turn that invites students to consider what it means to “act like a boy,” the meaning of the term “sissy” (and a discussion of other terminology common in today’s schools), and concepts of courage, retribution and forgiveness. There are also opportunities to connect this book to social studies curricula related to studies of Depression Era America and the rural South.
BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Accepting Differences, Biases and Stereotypes, Gender Issues
Thank You, Mr. Falker
Patricia Pollacco
Philomel: 2001; Spanish version Lectorum Publications: 2006
This autobiographical story deals with being bullied because of learning difficulties. Though she resorts to creative methods to hide the fact that she cannot read, Patricia’s fifth-grade peers label her “dummy.” Their merciless teasing only compounds her difficulties and shame, until a kind teacher takes her under his wing and tutors her. Both the text and illustrations poignantly depict her feelings. The story emphasizes the impact adults can have on individual students’ experiences at school, in setting a tone of acceptance, and creating a climate where bullying and teasing are unacceptable. Available in a Spanish language version.
BP Themes: Bullying, Feelings, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences
Wizard of Oz, The
L. Frank Baum
HarperCollins (100th Anniversary ed.): 2000
This first truly American fairy tale (and somewhat of a political satire at the time), follows Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, as their Kansas house is swept away by a tornado that drops them into the fantasy land of Oz. Familiar items like a cornfield scarecrow, a mechanical woodman, and a humbug wizard reinforce that “There’s no place like home.” If you already include this classic as a read-aloud book in your classroom, consider using it to reinforce notions such as compassion, friendship, belonging, courage, and the idea that we all have what we need inside us to succeed—though we may need the love and support of friends and family to help us recognize our strengths. This anniversary version reproduces the original illustrations. Available translated into many languages.
BP Themes: Bullying, Peer Relationships, Accepting Differences
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