Trouble Talk
Summary:
This book is about a girl named Bailey and the way she treats her friends. Bailey is one of those girls who likes to be in the know when it comes to everyone's business. What Bailey does that hurts her friends is she spreads rumors and says hurtful things. A student named Maya stands up to Bailey when she tells one of the boys in their class that Hua likes him. Bailey in turn threatens Maya telling her she will be sorry for interfering. To get even Bailey spreads rumors about Maya' parents getting a divorce. Eventually Maya goes to the counselor and she helps her deal with the way Bailey is acting. Bailey realizes she has not been a very good friend and writes apology letters to the girls she hurt. Maya wants to forgive Bailey but knows that it will be awhile before she can be trusted.
Target Audience:
This book would be best suited for grades 2-5. The subject matter is something most students can relate to. Everyone has been exposed to a person in school or their personal lives that likes to know everything going on. It is always beneficial to give your students solutions to handling situations like those explained in this book.
Evaluation:
Like most books on bullying the main purpose is to educate. The students can take what they learned and apply it to their daily interactions with other students. It also raises awareness and shows students what behaviors are unacceptable and how to handle those situations.
Reader Response Activity:
I really think this author writes excellent books on bullying. She not only tells a story she gives resources and activities to help you start discussions. In each of her books she has a section called "questions for discussion." They are fantastic and touch on all types of bullying situations not just the ones presented in the book. You could have them choose one of the questions and write a self-reflection on what that statement means to them.
No comments:
Post a Comment