Bus Ride Bully

Author: Lori Mortensen http://www.lorimortensen.com/
Publisher: Stone Arch Books
Date of Publication: 2011
Illustrator: Remy Simard https://remysimard.com/
Genre Designation: Fiction
Lexile: GN290L

Bus Ride Bully

Summary:

This book is about Gavin and Max. Gavin and Max both ride the bus, but Max bullies Gavin. Gavin notices one day that Max is not on the bus. Does he actually miss the bully? The first day it is nice because he is not there to pick on him. As time goes on he finds himself worried about Max and wondering what happened to him. Gavin finds out that Max had an accident and he decides to go visit him. Max discovers that Gavin is not such a bad person after all.

Target Audience:

This book would be good for ages 5-9.

Evaluation:

This book is considered a graphic novel. It is an introductory graphic novel and it uses thought bubbles and arrow to help you follow the story. The content is easy to understand which is good for a students first introduction to graphic novels. The story is about bullying but teaches forgiveness as well. 

Reader Response Activity:

I would have a discussion with the class. I would ask them to think about a person that when you first met them you felt one way and then after you got to know them you felt another. This is a great way to teach students how not to label people to quick and sometime you have to get to know them. I would ask if there were any stories they have read that have a similar story. This activity would be most beneficial for 2nd and 3rd graders.