Book Review: Call Me Hope

Author: Gretchen Olson

Interest Level: 5th Grade and Up

About This Book: Eleven-year-old Hope leads a seemingly normal life. She is looking forward to sixth grade, and the promise of Outdoor School, an annual camping trip that happens in the spring. She is thrilled when she lands a job at a used clothing store, and manages to attract the attention of a cute boy from her class. But Hope's self-serving mother, Darlene, who frequently flies into rages, calling Hope "stupid" and "hopeless," always manages to overshadow everything good in Hope's life. When Darlene threatens not to sign the permission slips for Outdoor School, Hope decides she can no longer keep silent about what is happening at home. By drawing strength from the example of Anne Frank, whom she is reading about in class, Hope gathers the courage to tell her mother how much the names hurt. The message of this story about the destructive power of verbal abuse is thinly veiled, but Hope is a winsome character whose bravery and determination will resonate with middle-grade readers. ~from Booklist

Why It's On My Bookshelf:  Recently, a parent volunteer was working in our school library and approached me holding a new book arrival, "Mrs. D, I think you might want to read this." I flipped it over and started reading the description:

A bully is ruining eleven-year-old Hope's life, and she doesn't know what to do. She can't even go to her mother for help, because the bully is her mother.

We do a lot of talking with students about stopping the verbal bullying of one another. But what if they are being verbally bullied by a parent? Are we talking to them about how to handle that? Are we teaching them to identify that as verbal abuse? Sometimes kids have difficulty thinking of verbal abuse as abuse, especially when it comes from a parent. I've chosen Call Me Hope as my first chapter book review because it's a critical read for kids. There are not enough books addressing the issue of verbal abuse by parents. There may be more 'Hopes' walking the hallways of our schools then we know. Maybe a life could be changed by living through the eyes of Call Me Hope.

Book Review: Shades of People

I decided to add a little more to this book review. I'm a little fascinated with bookstores...read on....

Recently, my husband and I were on a trip to beautiful Victoria, B.C., when I discovered begged my husband to please let me go in to check out the children's section a fabulous bookstore. Let me introduce you to Munro's Books, described as "the most magnificent bookstore in Canada, possibly in North America."  Okay, obviously they haven't heard of a little place called Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon (blog post coming on that gem soon).

Walking through the doors of Munro's my heart started to pitter patter. Indeed, magnificence. My eyes widened as I looked around....grand ceilings, spectacular pillars, eye catching artwork on the walls, and then there are the rows of delicious books. As I made my way around this heavenly bookstore, I began to panic....um, just where are the children's books!?! And then....in the corner....an entrance.....

 

The magnificence of the rest of the store began to fade as I walked into an adorable nook full of children's books. The nook is a small darling room filled with all sorts of good reads for the littles to the teens. Looking around one expects to see a woman in a chair doing a read-a-loud. Annnnd....and they had a small self-help section. So apparently, Canadian children face the same issues! Shades of People (great book for the littles on diversity) was my find. The best part was when I pulled it off the shelf I said to myself, 'I've been looking for a book like this!' Love when a book finds me!

Next time I'm in Victoria, I plan on making another stop to Munro's so I can get some more nook time. Check out this cute little cupboard below that was in the room. I love the little sign. Of course, I had to sit in the chair and open it up.

I'm so grateful for little finds like these. Made me feel like a child again. Enjoy my review.

Shades of People

by Shelley Rotner and Sheila Kelly

Interest Level: Ages 3-7

About This Book: This book is filled with wonderful photographs of happy, smiling, inquisitive, trusting, and adorable children—all with varying skin tones, hair colors and textures, and facial features. "Have you noticed that people come in many different shades?" is the opening sentence, accompanied by framed head shots of youngsters. It is followed on the next page by, "Not colors, exactly, but shades." The text is minimal, with approximately 3 to 10 words per page. The last page features a large photograph of eight little hands of varying shades. The message is clear and to the point: "Our skin is just our covering, like wrapping paper. And, you can't tell what someone is like from the color of their skin." A good introduction to racial and ethnic diversity.—

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Honoring and teaching diversity to students is so important. Books that celebrate differences are a useful way to reach out to kids. If you are not reading books like these...start! Teaching students about diversity helps reduce conflict and bullying. I'm a huge believer in this. Shades of People is going to help me break down those walls, hopefully before they even go up. The author chose to use the word 'shades' instead of 'colors.' That was new language for younger students regarding their thoughts about skin color. They were able to apply those words in a really caring way towards themselves and others. Um, love it! The actual photographs of kids was also a hit, because it feels relateable. You are going to want this one for your shelf.

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Review: Good-Bye Bully Machine

Author: Debbie Fox and Allan L Beane
Interest Level: Grades 3-5

About This Book: Kids learn what bullying is, why it hurts, and what they can do to end it with this fresh, compelling book. With its contemporary collage art, lively layout, and straightforward text, Good-Bye Bully Machine engages kids and keeps them turning pages. The unique format of Good-Bye Bully Machine helps kids understand the definition and impact of bullying by comparing it to a mean machine—the Bully Machine. Kids can see how bullying makes the machine grow more imposing, while kind behaviors dismantle it.

Through the machine, kids gain awareness of their role in bullying, whether they are targets, bullies, bystanders—or all three. The role of the bystander is especially important. Good-Bye Bully Machine helps kids see the power of the bystander to become an ally, which means learning to show empathy, engage in kind acts, and take a stand against bullying. It's a perfect way to engage reluctant readers and hard-to-reach kids.

Good-Bye Bully Machine features:

• Rich, full-color collage art
• Engaging, straightforward text
• Fun, easy-to-manage activities
• Compelling content for kids ages 8 and up

A note to grown-ups about bullying and bully prevention:

You can use this book on its own or in support of other Bully Free products. Good-Bye Bully Machine naturally lends itself to productive group discussion. Bully-busting activities at the back of the book show ways for victims, witnesses, and kids who've bullied others to become Bully Free—including suggestions for building a school-wide campaign against bullying.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Good-Bye Bully Machine is a recent discovery. I just cannot say enough good things about what it has done on the playground, hallways, cafeteria, and classrooms in my school. Over the years, I've used dry and boring bullying curriculums which are now sitting idle on my shelf. I've lost students in a flash when I'm just standing at the white board writing the definition of bullying. As a counselor, it means everything to me for students to have better insight to bully behavior. The minute I introduce the metaphor of the "bully machine", I have a captive group of students. Good-Bye Bully Machine is one of the few books out there that really goes there with students and requires critical thinking. The first time I read this to a 4th grade class, one of the students went out to recess and reported a problem to an adult stating, 'I do not want to be part of the bully machine!' Love that. So why do kids like this machine plugged in? How can schools unplug it? What makes it grow and become strong? Like I said, the metaphor of the "bully machine" creates higher level thinking and questioning. Those that are participating in bullying behavior have an opportunity to try and understand themselves better. A lot of those students are in personal pain, take the time to explore this with them. It's such a worthwhile read. The "bully machine" causes a lot of hurt in schools across America.  If you are a teacher or a counselor looking for a creative approach to STOP bullying, add this book to your resource shelf. (be sure to use the leaders guide - it's an awesome supplementary resource)


A link to this book at Free Spirit Publshing.
A link to the Leader's Guide.

Book Review: The Way I Feel

Author: Janan Cain
Interest Level: Ages 4-9

About This Book:

Silly is the way I feel

when I make a funny face

and wear a goofy, poofy hat

that takes up lots of space

So begins a child's romp through a feelings word book. Feelings are neither good nor bad, they simply are. Kids needs words to name their feelings, just as they need words to name foods, clothes, toys, people, and all the other interesting things in their world.

Strong, colorful, and expressive images go along with the verses to help children connect the word and the emotion. Your child will learn useful words, and you will have many chances to open conversations about what's going on in her/his life.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: When it comes to the social and emotional growth of children, this just might be in my top five book picks. The Way I Feel was first released ten years ago and is as relevant today as the day it was published. I get a lot of, 'Yaaaas, I love that book!!' when I show the cover. Not only do they love the illustrations, but they relish the opportunity to discuss feelings and what to do with them. Yes, it may sound cliche for a counselor to highly recommend a book about feelings but I have students who are desperate to have their emotions validated and heard. Author Janan Cain writes a thoughtful note to parents on the last page. She offers four suggestions to parents as they read The Way I Feel to their child (super helpful). I'm so happy this is on my shelf to share with children.

Emotions covered: silly, scared, disappointed, happy, sad, angry, thankful, frustrated, shy, bored, excited, jealous, and proud.


PS. For the littles, The Way I Feel board book.

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Review: Do You Sing Twinkle? A Story About Remarriage and New Family

Author: Sandra Levins
illustrated by Bryan Langdo
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: Mom has a new family! She has a new husband who is not my dad, and worst of all, new kids. Girls! Just as it feels for the young child in "Do You Sing Twinkle?" living apart from a parent can be a hard adjustment for kids. And, when that parent remarries and has stepchildren, things can get really confusing for kids! Told from a young boy's point of view, the book sensitively addresses many questions that children may have while adjusting to remarriage and joint-custody situations. Kids and parents will learn good and easy ways to stay connected all around helping kids to feel special and loved. A 'Note to Parents' is included that will help parents talk to their children and deal with common but difficult emotions as they adjust to all the changes in their lives. This title addresses directly the kinds of issues kids face when parents divorce and remarry. It tackles difficulties of separated parents, stepparents, and step-siblings. It is a 'read aloud' book that is suitable for very young children but readable by second graders.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Some sources estimate the divorce rate in the United States exceeds 50%. So as a school counselor, I've got my hands full trying to help kids who are struggling with family strife. There is a very special place in my heart for children who are experiencing the sadness of divorce. Do You Sing Twinkle? is a bibliotherapy MUST. It's not like children have an on and off switch for their emotions. It inevitably 'bleeds' into their school day. There is an example of this when the young boy has a bad day at school. This bad day occurs after a weekend transition between homes.

I do not have a good day.

I do not feel like reading so I say

"Pass" when it is my turn.

I shove my partner

at the drinking fountain.

I throw woodchips at a

first-grader on the playground.

I punch Zoey Enos in the arm.

My teacher calls my dad.

I'm in big trouble, mister!

I can't tell you how many times I've seen this behavior. Sometimes it's attributed to unresolved anger, unresolved sadness, unresolved grief....notice I keep using the word unresolved. Author Sandra Levins takes a whole family approach to healing all of these unresolved feelings. I felt like she was trying to help the parents "be there" for their kids. This is a healing book for your shelf. If your family is in a similar situation, don't hesitate to get Do You Sing Twinkle? A Story About Remarriage and New Family.

A Link To This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

Book Review: Samantha Jane's Missing Smile

Author: Julie Kaplow and Donna Pincus

Illustrated by Beth Spiegel

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: The loss of a parent is a profound crisis for a child. In the aftermath of the death, children face great emotional vulnerability and distress and need help from their surviving parent and other supportive adults around them. Reassurance and support, as well as practical coping tools, are key to the child's ability to recover.

Samantha Jane's Missing Smile is the story of one child's loss. When her father dies, Sammy Jane doesn't know how to express her grief. She fears that her sadness will overwhelm her if she cries. She worries that her sadness will overburden her mother, too, and that her mother won't be available for her. She is angry at the unfairness of her loss. And she feels guilty about smiling ever again.

In this gentle story, Sammy Jane comes to accept her feelings and realizes that they won't go away if she ignores them. She also discovers that sharing those feelings is both comforting and reassuring. WIth her mother's help, she finds ways to keep the memory of her father alive. And finally, she understands what a full, happy life is what her father would want for her.

But sometimes I worry that if I talk to you about Dad,

you'll start to feel sad.

I don't want you to be sad.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Oh boy, where to begin. There are so many good nuggets in this book. First of all, tough subject to write about. Second, anyone who works with or has a grieving child needs this book on their shelf.  Kids often stuff their feelings because they don't want to upset their parents. Samantha Jane tries to push away her own grief so she won't worry her mother. Man, it makes me sad to think about how much that happens in real life. She also struggles with guilt. The guilt of not wanting to experience joy, for fear that she is not honoring her father's memory. My favorite bibliotherapy stories are those incorporating REALISTIC strategies that help kids cope through those rough times. There are some good ones throughout the story. I  highly recommend Samantha Jane's Missing Smile for your shelf.

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful: