
A parent would reach for this book when they suspect their child is experiencing social friction at school or if they want to proactively build a vocabulary for healthy boundaries. It serves as an essential roadmap for navigating the complex dynamics of peer relationships, offering clear definitions of what bullying looks like in both physical and emotional forms. The book emphasizes that safety is a community effort, involving both children and the adults who care for them. By focusing on empathy and bravery, the guide helps children aged 6 to 11 understand the difference between 'tattling' and 'reporting' for safety. It is particularly useful for families who want to move beyond just identifying the problem to finding actionable solutions. Parents will find it a grounding resource that validates a child's fears while empowering them with the social tools needed to foster kindness and justice in their everyday lives.
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Sign in to write a reviewIllustrations and text describe physical and verbal intimidation.
The book addresses physical and emotional aggression directly. The approach is secular and highly realistic, focusing on practical safety rather than metaphorical lessons. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in the reality that bullying requires active management from the community.
An elementary schooler who has recently witnessed or experienced social exclusion or aggression and feels unsure of how to report it without social repercussion. It is also perfect for a child who is naturally empathetic and wants to know how to be an effective 'upstander.'
Parents should preview the sections on 'Adult Responsibility' to ensure they are ready to model the advocacy the book suggests. It can be read cold with a child, but stopping to discuss specific school rules is helpful. A parent might reach for this after their child comes home crying about a playground incident, or after hearing their child use self-deprecating language following an interaction with a peer.
Younger children (6-8) will focus on the 'do and don't' aspects of behavior and identifying mean actions. Older children (9-11) will better grasp the social hierarchies and the nuanced power dynamics discussed.
Unlike many books that focus solely on the child's perspective, this guide explicitly bridges the gap between children and adults, reinforcing that safety is a shared responsibility.
This is a comprehensive non-fiction guide designed to educate both children and adults on the mechanics of bullying. It covers various types of behavior, including physical, verbal, and exclusionary tactics. The book provides clear strategies for victims and bystanders, emphasizing the importance of adult intervention and community safety. Illustrations by Laurie Barrows help ground the abstract concepts in relatable, everyday scenarios.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.