Book Review: Desmond and The Very Mean Word

Authors: Archbishop Desmond Tutu and 
Douglas Carlton Abrams
illustrated by A.G. Ford

From the Book Jacket: Desmond was very proud of his new bicycle. He was the only child in the whole township who had one, and he couldn't wait to show it to Father Trevor. 

When Desmond takes his new bicycle out for a ride, his pride and joy turn to hurt and anger when some boys shout a very mean word at him. No matter what he tries, Desmond can't stop thinking about what the boys said. With the wise advice of kindly Father Trevor, Desmond learns an important lesson about understanding his conflicted feelings and how to forgive.  

Based on a real-life experience from Archbishop Desmond Tutu's own childhood in South Africa, Desmond and the Very Mean Word eloquently shows a child's realization that true forgiveness comes from within and that all people deserve compassion, whether or not they say they are sorry.  

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This has been an important picture book I've been using with our fourth and fifth graders. Sometimes I'm so saddened to see how horribly mean some of them can be to each other. So when this book arrived I knew it had a message that would touch their hearts and hopefully stop the mean words. Reminding kids they can make a decision to stop a hurtful conversation and take responsibility is what this book is all about.

There is a conversation in the book between Father Trevor and Desmond that we focused on:

Father Trevor sighed. "That is the problem, Desmond. You will get them back, and they they will get you back, and soon our whole world will be filled with nothing but 'getting back.'"

And there it is! Stopping the cycle of hurt is what my students need to hear. Especially because some of them come from homes where that cycle is happening. Forgiveness is an absent thing in many of their lives. When I asked if they could define forgiveness - not many hands went up. We teach a lot about apologies but it became clear the other part of the equation needs to be put out there too.

It is never revealed what the mean word is used against Desmond. I was concerned some kids would get hung up on that. We did have a small discussion on what the mean words might have been. But what we kept coming back to was how those words can have such a damaging impact. And that's why we need forgiveness............yep!

A Link to This Book:  

Book Review: Leave Me Alone

Author: Kes Gray
Illustrator: Lee Wildish
Interest Level: K -3

A Note From the Publisher: A little boy is feeling sad because every day he has to face a bully. But this story’s little boy also has friends. A frog, a cat, a rabbit, a cow, and other animal friends insist on helping him, even after he tells them: “There’s nothing you can do for me/ There’s nothing you can say.” Fortunately, he is mistaken, because the next time the bully approaches, they all join with him and shout, “LEAVE HIM ALONE!” And it works! The bully turns around and goes away. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Originally I saw this book posted on Pinterest and thought how did I miss this book? This might seem like a really quick read but there is a lot of power behind the story. It empowers the victim and the bystanders when a mean situation is going down. I think a lot of kids will relate to the feeling of being powerless. Hate having to write that but it's true. There are some kids in my school who just "put up with it." But I have a whole lot of kids who are witnessing it and can PROTECT that child. In the story, there are animals who represent the bystanders. I'm thinking I'll have fun with this book and bring in LOTS of stuffed animals for kids to use in role plays.

Side Note: I loaned this book to another school counselor in my district and she mentioned to me how much she loves the book. Love that feedback.

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

 

Book Review: Each Kindness

Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
Interest Level: Grades 1-5

From the Book Jacket: Chloe doesn't really know why she turns away from the new girl, Maya, when Maya tries to befriend her. And every time Maya asks if she can play with Chloe and the other girls, the answer is always no. So Maya ends up playing alone. And then one day she's gone. 

When Chloe's teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the opportunity that's been lost. How much better could it have been if she'd just shown Maya a little kindness and opened her heart to friendship?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is going to be one of the most important books I read to students this year. It will definitely be one of my favorites. It came in the mail this morning and I just had to blog about it today because it is a MUST for your bookshelf.

This is a powerful story PACKED FULL of life lessons. A new student Maya is treated horribly by her classmates. She tries making friends with the other students but is rejected and becomes a target because of her economic status. Students will feel sadness as you read this story - because they will be filled with an overwhelming empathy for Maya. In the end, we never know the full damage that may have been caused to Maya because she moves. We can surely guess though. However, it's Chloe who teaches us the lesson. She had shunned Maya but is filled with guilt, remorse, and emotional pain as she becomes aware of her own hurtful behavior. She is never able to make amends. I cannot wait for the discussion this will create. If we can teach our children to live their lives in complete kindness - hopefully they will not have to learn this lesson the hard way.

What an AMAZING teaching tool!

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Book Review: Little Sweet Potato

Author: Amy Beth Bloom
Illustrated by Noah Z Jones
Interest Level: K and Up

From the Book Jacket: When Little Sweet Potato gets knocked out of his garden patch, he is forced to search for a new home. He stumbles upon some very mean and silly plants on his journey, and wonders if maybe he is too lumpy and bumpy to fit in anywhere. Will Little Sweet Potato ever find the perfect home?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I absolutely adore Little Sweet Potato! Author Amy Beth Bloom has written a GEM. The story encourages children to not judge or reject one another based on what's on the outside but to accept everyone because of their special uniqueness. Everyone has a place in their school. I still see some kids who feel like outsiders. Lets remind kids to treat each other with respect and appreciation. If you are looking for a story about acceptance, tolerance, diversity, differences, bullying, kindness....it's all here!

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

 

Patricia Polacco's New Book - Bully

Bully
by Patricia Polacco
Interest Level: Ages 7 and Up

From the Publisher: Patricia Polacco takes on cliques and online bullying.

Lyla finds a great friend in Jamie on her first day of school, but when Lyla makes the cheerleading squad and a clique of popular girls invites her to join them, Jamie is left behind. Lyla knows bullying when she sees it, though, and when she sees the girls viciously teasing classmates on Facebook, including Jamie, she is smart enough to get out. But no one dumps these girls, and now they're out for revenge.

Patricia Polacco has taken up the cause against bullies ever since Thank You, Mr. Falker, and her passion shines through in this powerful story of a girl who stands up for a friend.

This book is being released on September 13, 2012 and I have PREORDERED mine. I CANNOT WAIT. We had some awful facebook problems last year with 5th graders. Yep, facebook is on my elementary doorstep! Patricia Polacco delivers such solid stories - I think we all know this is going to be a winner. Looking forward to seeing it's impact in our students' lives. Look for my review of it in September.

Preorder Here:

Book Review: The Weird Series

Weird! Dare! Tough!
by Erin Frankel, illustrated by Paula Heaphy
Book Website: www.theweirdseries.com
Publisher: Free Spirit
Interest Level: K and Up

True-to-life stories of bullying told from all perspectives: the role of the target, the bystander, and the person doing the bullying.

These three books tell the story of an ongoing case of bullying from three third graders’ perspectives. Luisa describes being targeted by bullying in Weird! Jayla shares her experience as a bystander to bullying in Dare! And in Tough!, Sam speaks from the point of view of someone initiating bullying. Kids will easily relate to Luisa, Jayla, and Sam, as each girl has her own unique experience, eventually learning how to face her challenges with the help of friends, peers, and caring adults. The books may be read separately or as a set; readers will enjoy tracking details that carry over from one book to another. Each book concludes with "activity club" pages for kids, as well as information to help parents, teachers, counselors, and other adults reinforce the books' messages and foster dialogue with children.

Weird! (Book 1)

Luisa is repeatedly teased and called "weird" by her classmate Sam, even though she is simply being herself—laughing with her friends, answering questions in class, greeting her father in Spanish, and wearing her favorite polka-dot boots. Luisa initially reacts to the bullying by withdrawing and hiding her colorful nature. But with the support of her teachers, parents, classmates, and one special friend named Jayla, she is able to reclaim her color and resist Sam’s put-downs.

Dare! (Book 2)
Jayla feels threatened by her classmate Sam, who has bullied her in the past for her "nerdy" love of astronomy and stars. Sam is now bullying Jayla’s friend Luisa, and she enlists Jayla to participate. Jalya reluctantly joins in but soon realizes it is wrong. With the help of caring adults and friends, Jayla comes to sympathize with Luisa and finds the courage to dare to stand up to Sam and put an end to the bullying.

 Tough! (Book 3)

Sam is concerned about keeping things orderly and "cool" at school. She thinks people need to have a tough skin in order to fit in and withstand others’ meanness and lack of cooperation. Sam teases her free-spirited classmate Luisa and enlists a friend, Jayla, to help. But when Sam is confronted by a concerned teacher about her bullying, and Jayla turns on Sam and befriends Luisa, Sam begins to show some heart and rethink her treatment of others.

Why They Are On My Bookshelf: These books are already so dear to my heart. Author Erin Frankel and illustrator Paula Heaphy have created a masterpiece through the viewpoints of the victim, bystander, and bully. I had the opportunity to read this unique series to students before the school year wrapped up. They were all captivated by the stories of three girls involved in bullying. It was obvious through our discussion their hearts and minds were very moved. Everyone has had a role or involvement in bullying and kids could see themselves in the books.

As a school counselor, I want to reach students at a deeper level when it comes to the serious issue of school bullying. This perfectly crafted story is the vehicle to do just that. I can't tell you how impressed I am with this series. The first day I read them, I knew I had something special in my hands. Students are given valuable insight into how to get out of a bullying situation and make positive changes through confidence, courage, and kindness. I cannot wait to reread these in the fall. They are truly awesome and so impactful!

A Link to The Series:

Book Review: Sneaky Weasel

Author/Illustrator: Hannah Shaw
Interest Level: Ages 5 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Weasel is sneaky, measly and very rich. When he throws a big party to show off to everyone, he can't understand why none of his guests turn up...Could it be that Weasel is bad at being a friend?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: There are kids in every class who no one wants as a partner during work time or is socially isolated. Sometimes the reason behind the exclusion often has to do with the child's negative behavior towards others. When I finished reading Sneaky Weasel, I immediately thought of those students. I work with these kiddos very closely trying to help them become self-aware of their actions. This story is perfect to address this problem. 

When no one shows up at Weasel's party he visits everyone to demand an explanation. He discovers everyone is quite upset with him because of his mistreatment of others. Weasel is pretty clueless about his hurtful ways. He realizes he must find a way to be a good friend and make up for what he has done. He sets out to earn their trust and respect through kindness, taking responsibility, and an apology. Good stuff!!

Love this new discovery. You will too. Kids are going to see themselves in this story and hopefully it will provide insight to change that stinky sneaky behavior!

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

Chrissa Stands Strong Movie

About the Movie

Chrissa Maxwell and her family have just moved to snowy Minnesota, and Chrissa has to start at a new school mid-year. Will she fit in? Can she find new friends?

On her very first day, Chrissa is seated with three girls who greet her with teasing and tricks. The "Mean Bees" really know how to sting—they bully Chrissa and the other kids in class, on the bus, online, and even at swim club. Chrissa can’t seem to make any new friends—not even with the girl who seems to need a friend the most. When the biggest bully becomes Chrissa’s swimming rival, the taunting finally goes too far.

Can Chrissa find a way to stand strong and stop the bullying?

Movie Trailer


I absolutely love this movie and have been showing it the past couple of years to students. If you are a parent, teacher, or counselor I really encourage you to watch this movie with your kids. There are so many great lessons in it about bullying.

There are also great curriculum materials that go with the movie for parents and teachers to use as a guide. Oh, and it's FREE. Double score on that one!

PS. This is not a movie for JUST girls. The boys in my school loved this movie just as much and were not scared away because it is from American Girl. They don't even notice that. In fact, I had a few boys come up to me in the hallway and excitedly ask, "When are we going to finish the Chrissa movie?"

Book Review: Perfect Square

Author/Illustrator: Michael Hall

Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: A perfect square is transformed in this adventure story that will transport you far beyond the four equal sides of this square book.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I love to look at a new book and find the secret little bibliotherapy message in it. Perfect Square is AWESOME. Each day something happens to the square. It's cut in pieces, torn in scraps, shredded to strips, and shattered. But when these things happen, it transforms itself into something beautiful like a fountain, a garden, or a park. Here's some example pages below:

On Saturday, the square was crumpled and ripped and wrinkled.

So it made itself into a mountain.

So what's my message to the kids going to be? Self-esteem! If something gets you down....you can turn it around. You can make lemonade out of lemons! This really feels like an empowerment story. It's also a great way to teach optimism. I even think there might be a lesson on bullying in this one. A lesson on how not to let bully words and behavior bring you down - find a way to keep yourself built up. Gonna have fun with this one!


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Book Review: Polka-Dot Fixes Kindergarten

Author: Catherine Urdahl
Illustrated by Mai S Kemble
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Extras: Book Activities

From the Publisher: It's Polka-dot's first day of kindergarten and armed with her trusty fix-it kit, she's ready for anything. When she gets to school, though, everything goes wrong. The duct tape, runny soap, and dotted bandages aren't enough to fix her kindergarten catastrophes. And, when it comes to dealing with stripe-loving, mean-mouth Liz, Polka-dot finds herself in a fix. See how Polka-dot finds a way to mend her stormy relationship with Liz.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I love problem-solving with children. It just blesses my heart to see two kiddos make amends with one another. Or to watch a child find a positive solution when they are dealing with a sticky situation with another classmate. But our students don't necessarily come to school with problem-solving skills and tools. They need support and coaching on how to fix the little bumps that come their way. What better way to teak these skills then through a new awesome book!

Polka-dot Fixes Kindergarten will definitely be making the rounds with me when I do guidance lessons around being a problem solver. And don't ya just love her name? Polka-dot! So cute. There's some mean behavior going on with another girl (which I've definitely seen the likes of before in my own school) and Polka-dot is faced with a challenge on how to fix it. Love how the author has brought that word into a kindergartner's world. Yep, we can FIX our problems! There are many ways to do so. Kindness is the path Polka-dot chooses....which I love and have really started to reinforce this past year. There's no tattling involved here or labeling of the other girl. There is resolution. Can't wait to empower our kindy kids.


A Link to This Book and Others You Might Like:

Trudy Ludwig Has a New Book Out

  

Better Than You
Author: Trudy Ludwig
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Publisher: Tricycle Press
Interest Level: Ages 6 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Tyler's neighbor Jake brags about everything. Tyler can't show Jake a basketball move, a school assignment, or a new toy without Jake saying he can do better - and it leaves Tyler feeling like he shouldn't even try. With help from his uncle Kevin, Tyler begins to understand that Jake's bragging has nothing to do with Tyler's own abilities.

Jake's story gives kids insight into what lies beneath the urge to brag and shows them how adopting a "better than you" attitude can break friendships rather than build them. This sensitive story will prove a welcome resource for any parent, teacher, or counselor.

My official review is coming on this one soon....but it already gets an A+.........
I was excited to receive Better Than You in the mail today by one of my favorite authors - Trudy Ludwig. I believe some of my comments after reading it were....."awesome" "love it" "right on Trudy!" I'm excited about it. It's really gonna change kids - for the better of course! So I'm going to do another review on this book after I read it to the kiddos at school. But I'm letting you know about this new one now because you're going to want to order it and get it in your Trudy Ludwig collection of books. And if you don't have a collection - get ALL of her books. They're great!
 

Book Review: Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully

Author: Audrey Penn

Illustrated by Barbara L Bigson

Interest Level: Ages 4-8

Publisher: Tanglewood Press

Lesson Plan: Get Rid of the Bully!

Download the free poster here

From the Book Jacket: Chester Raccoon is faced with a common problem to school children - a bully! When a badger causes problems for all the young animals at school, Mrs. Raccoon brings her usual insight and understanding to the problem. She tells Chester and his friends a story of how, in another forest, a pointy blue stone that could hurt tender paws was turned into a smooth pebble with the help of the animals who lived there. Chester and his friends understand the message and join together to help the bully change. When they ask the badger to play, they are surprised how well Mrs. Raccoon's strategy works!

This sweet story illustrates many lessons: that many child bullies are themselves unhappy and that sometimes the best way to get rid of an enemy is to make him or her a friend. Chester and his friends provide readers with a good example of settling differences by peaceful means.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This book was published a few years ago and I had read it and just really couldn't figure out how I wanted to use it with the kids at the time. Just because a book title has the word Bully in it - doesn't always make it a perfect resource. Fast forward to the end of this last school year and a first grade teacher (who has a major love of bibliotherapy also) approached me with it. She had read it to her class and it was a major hit because of the wonderful spin she put on it. So I was sold. Here's what I've gotten out of it.....

There's another teacher in my building who often says to her students, "What is the kind thing to do?" She'll use this question when dealing with problem solving or bullying situations. LOVE THAT. It absolutely reminded me of Mrs. Raccoon's strategy. So I've started using it too. We do have steps our students are asked to use when dealing with bullying but I just have to say ....there's nothing wrong with also using a kindness strategy. Some kids really respond to this. I really love the responses when I ask this question.

Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully is also a good empathy builder. Mrs. Raccoon tells a story about finding a sharp prickly stone. We used the metaphor of the stone to talk about how it reminds us of bullying behavior. Wow - the kids really responded to this. We drew a picture of it on the board and discussed ways to help the kids who are using bullying behavior and how to help smooth their tough ways out.

My main message to the students was there is nothing wrong with trying to reach out to someone. It's tempting to be mean back to someone but maybe instead of hurting someone in the moment, we could help them. It may not work everytime but it's sure worth a try.

Before I forget....the Kissing Hand puppet is available at amazon but much cheaper on the publisher's website. It's darling.

A Link To This Book and Others You Might Like:

Book Review: You're Mean, Lily Jean!

Author: Frieda Wishinsky
Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Publisher: Albert Whitman
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: When Lily Jean moves in next door, sisters Carly and Sandy are happy to have a new friend join their game. But Lily Jean changes everything. She decides they'll play house and orders Carly to be the baby. When they play king and queen, King Lily Jean tells Carly to be the royal dog! Tired of being bossed around, Carly comes up with a way to teach Lily Jean a lesson. With Sandy's help, can she turn a bully into a friend?

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Well, my 2011 favorites list just grew again! I am very passionate about the name of my blog because of books just like this one. I spend hours hunting for the ones with teachable moments that help children learn important social skills. Every K-3 class I read this to benefited in their friendships, sibling relationships, and helped curb bullying behavior.

There is a whole lot of bossing around going on in the story. Lily Jean is on a power trip and her behavior got a ton of disapproval from students. Carly is picked on because she is the little sister and Lily Jean wants to have Sandy all to herself. But what blessed my heart was how sweet and caring big sister Sandy is to Carly. She sticks up for her. It was a great stopping point to talk about how we need to look out for our siblings and make sure they are being treated with kindness. Carly sticks up for herself too and lets Lily Jean know she can hang with her and Sandy if she is nice. That's their friendship rule for Lily Jean. Stop being bossy and start being nice or go play alone. Lots of kids need to hear this truth. It's okay to say NO to bad behavior. Looking forward to reading this one to my own kiddo.  


Pictures of the inside of this book will be posted tomorrow. Technical difficulties are preventing the pictures from popping up in the blog post,

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Book Review: My Princess Boy

Author: Cheryl Kilodavis
Illustrated by Suzanne DeSimone
Book Website: www.myprincessboy.com
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

From the Book Jacket: This little boy loves the color pink, and Sparkly things. Sometimes he wears dresses, and sometimes he wears jeans. He likes to wear his princess tiara crown, even when climbing trees. He's a Princess Boy, and his family loves him exactly the way he is. Inspired by her son, and by her own struggles to initially understand, this is one mother's story about unconditional love, and one remarkable family. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I applaud author and mother Cheryl Kilodavis for writing such an important and beautiful book. Kids learn stereotypes at a very young age. When we put someone in a stereotypical role, out the door goes acceptance and understanding and in comes judgment and division. 

My Princess Boy is an encouraging story that helps kids to not take part in stereotyping behavior. One of the important parts of this book is when the put-downs and teasing happen. It's very hurtful.  Right away students said, "That is not okay to bully him!"  

The author writes:
If you see a Princess Boy...
Will you laugh at him?
Will you call him a name?
Will you play with him?
Will you like him for who he is?

WOW. Powerful. I didn't even have to create discussion questions. They are right there in the pages. I'm so thankful I am able to use literature like this to break down stereotypes. Lets connect kids now at a young age so they don't have to experience pain or hurt each other as they grow up. It doesn't matter if boys like pink, if girls play with trucks, or if boys want to play with dolls. All that matters is that we are loved, respected, and accepted for who we are inside and out. 

Other Children's Books Breaking Down Gender Role Stereotypes:

William's Doll
Author: Charlotte Zolotow
More than anything, William wants a doll. "Don't be a creep," says his brother. "Sissy, sissy," chants the boy next door. Then one day someone really understands William's wish, and makes it easy for others to understand, too. 

Oliver Button Is a Sissy 
Author: Tomie dePaula
A little boy must come to terms with being teased and ostracized because he'd rather read books, paint pictures, and tap-dance than participate in sports.
 

Amazing Grace (Reading Rainbow Books)
Author: Mary Hoffman
Grace loves to act out stories. She eventually overcomes restrictions of gender and race to play the part of her dreams, Peter Pan, in the school play. 

The Story of Ferdinand (Reading Railroad Books)Author: Munro Leaf
All the other bulls would run and jump and butt their heads together. But Ferdinand would rather sit and smell the flowers. So what will happen when our pacifist hero is picked for the bullfights in Madrid? 

Ira Sleeps Over
Author: Bernard Waber
When Ira is invited to sleep over at Reggie's house, he must decide whether to take his beloved teddy bear. In the end, he learns that it is acceptable for boys to have teddy bears. 

When I Grow Up (Little Critter) (Look-Look)
Author: Mercer Mayer
Little Critter’s sister dreams about all the wonderful things she’s going to do when she grows up. She imagines being a great ballet dancer, a world-famous doctor, a race-car driver, and more! 

It's Okay To Be Different

Author: Todd Parr
It's okay to need some help. It's okay to be a different color. It's okay to talk about your feelings. It's okay to make a wish... It's Okay to Be Different.

Pinky And Rex And The Bully (Ready-To-Read Level 3)
Author: James Howe
Pinky's favorite color is pink, and his best friend, Rex, is a girl. Kevin, the third-grade bully, says that makes Pinky a sissy. Deep down, Pinky thinks Kevin is wrong, but he's still worried. Does Pinky have to give up his favorite things, and worse, does he have to give up his best friend? 

Best Friends for Frances (I Can Read Book 2)
Author: Russell Hoban
Frances doesn't think her little sister, Gloria, can be her friend. But when Frances's friend Albert has a no-girls baseball game, Frances shows him a thing or two about friendship—and a thing or two about what girls can do. Along the way, Frances discovers that sisters can indeed be friends . . . maybe even best friends.

Players In Pigtails (Scholastic Bookshelf)
Author: Shana Corey
In a delightful tribute to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League created during World War II - this story focuses on Katie Casey, who preferred "sliding to sewing" and "batting to baking" and is a "baseball-mad" girl! Determined Katie makes it all the way to the big leagues and finds a sisterhood of friends and players. 

Sam Johnson and the Blue Ribbon Quilt

Author: Lisa Campbell Ernst
When Sam Johnson inadvertently discovers how much fun sewing can be, he tries to join the Rosedale Women's Quilting Club. "Don't be silly," the club president says. "We can't have a man here bungling everything!" But Sam Johnson won't take no for an answer. 

Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores

Author: James Howe
Horace, Morris, and Dolores have been best friends forever. They do everything together -- from sailing the seven sewers to climbing Mount Ever-Rust. But one day Horace and Morris join the Mega-Mice (no girls allowed), and Dolores joins the Cheese Puffs (no boys allowed). Is this the end? Or will Horace and Morris but mostly Dolores find a way to save the day -- and their friendship? 

If you have book suggestions, please put the title in the comments section below. Thanks! 

Book Review: Raj the Bookstore Tiger

Author: Kathleen T. Pelley
Illustrated by Page Keiser
Interest Level: Ages 4-8
Click here for Discussion Activity Guide

From the Book Jacket: Being a bookstore "tiger" is lots of work. Raj has to patrol the storerooms, keep an eye on the front window (while sun basking, of course), and greet customers with a hearty meow. But Raj loves his job, especially story time with the children.

Things change when Snowball comes on the scene. The cranky cat's snide remarks cause Raj to doubt his own tigerness. So Raj is forced to figure out if he's just an ordinary kitty-cat after all...or if, just maybe, it's Snowball who's got it wrong.



Why It's On My Bookshelf: It is such a great feeling when you feel your best self. It's a fill you up happy state called high self-esteem. But there is nothing worse when it all of a sudden plummets. And why did it plummet? WHAM - you got knocked down by a put down. This is what happens in one of my new favorites Raj the Bookstore Tiger. Another cat named Snowball takes over his turf by using put-downs and bully behavior.

I see this happen in school ALL the time. A student arrives in the morning all cheery and ready to learn and then I see them at their last recess looking absolutely broken. Whoa. What happened? A lot of times it's negative comments or mean words they received at one point during their day from another student. Just like Raj they feel withdrawn and a bit hopeless... like they want to disappear. Any power they once felt they had - poof - it disappeared. Enter one of my favorite words - EMPOWER. Raj teaches kids to stand up for themselves, don't believe in the put-downs, and guard your self-esteem. You have the POWER to not allow your self-esteem to plummet in the first place. I get excited teaching kids this stuff!

Something else I liked about this story is how Snowball and Raj didn't remain enemies but they became friends. It didn't end with Snowball being condemned as the bully and Raj as the hero. It made them equal and showed the possibility of healing a situation even when a major hurt has been caused. Stories that bring characters together are ones I relish reading to kids. Ask your students to look around the room at each other...who do they need to have healing with? This book will give them inspiration to do so.
 

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