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[CCBC-Net] Books re bullies
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From: Queeline at aol.com <Queeline>
Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:35:02 EDT
I was working at Golden Books when Mercer Mayer submitted his manuscript for his Little Critter picture book on the subject, JUST A BULLY. Even in-house there was plenty of discussion about whether we should publish. In it, Little Critter retaliates and hits back after being bullied.
I just took a look at the customer reviews of the book on Amazon, and it's interesting--strong feeling on either side. Some say there is a time and place to defend oneself and are happy that Little Critter takes such action (after going to parents, teacher, etc. didn't work). Others argue that this is not the message we want to be sending to kids.
Now as then I'm torn. I agree that it's not something we really want to teach. But I also saw Mercer's point. Books that over-simplify kids' options don't really help them to cope either.
Perhaps the best solution for a young kid struggling with such problems is to provide a book like JUST A BULLY as well as one like RECESS QUEEN, and to use them together as opportunities for discussion.
Jackie Glasthal
In a message dated 3/17/2008 12:06:01 PM Eastern Standard Time, sue at sue-alexander.com writes:
Don't forget the younger kids -- bullies make their lives just as miserable as they do older kids. For the younger kids: RECESS QUEEN by Alexis O'Neill
Sue Alexander West Hills CA
Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:35:02 EDT
I was working at Golden Books when Mercer Mayer submitted his manuscript for his Little Critter picture book on the subject, JUST A BULLY. Even in-house there was plenty of discussion about whether we should publish. In it, Little Critter retaliates and hits back after being bullied.
I just took a look at the customer reviews of the book on Amazon, and it's interesting--strong feeling on either side. Some say there is a time and place to defend oneself and are happy that Little Critter takes such action (after going to parents, teacher, etc. didn't work). Others argue that this is not the message we want to be sending to kids.
Now as then I'm torn. I agree that it's not something we really want to teach. But I also saw Mercer's point. Books that over-simplify kids' options don't really help them to cope either.
Perhaps the best solution for a young kid struggling with such problems is to provide a book like JUST A BULLY as well as one like RECESS QUEEN, and to use them together as opportunities for discussion.
Jackie Glasthal
In a message dated 3/17/2008 12:06:01 PM Eastern Standard Time, sue at sue-alexander.com writes:
Don't forget the younger kids -- bullies make their lives just as miserable as they do older kids. For the younger kids: RECESS QUEEN by Alexis O'Neill
Sue Alexander West Hills CA
-- visit me at www.sue-alexander.com _______________________________________________ CCBC-Net mailing list CCBC-Net at ccbc.education.wisc.edu Visit this link to read archives or to unsubscribe... http://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/mailman/listinfo/ccbc-net **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001)Received on Mon 17 Mar 2008 12:35:02 PM CDT
