Book Review ( Pt1): One of Us

Author: Peggy Moss
Illustrator: Penny Weber
Interest Level: Ages 5-10

About This Book: Roberta James is new to Baker School. "I think you are going to love it here," the principal says. Roberta agrees as she notices the brightly painted walls, a library full of books, and a fabulous looking playground. But the school starts to feel anything but welcoming as she encounters the many different cliques of Baker School, each with it's own set of rules. There are the pony tail girls, the Monkey Bar Gang, the flowered-lunchbox kids, and the cowboy boot wearing "we only eat pita roll-ups" group. Roberta is shuffled from group to group realizing fitting in isn't as easy as the principal promised. Sitting alone in the cafeteria she meets a group that is a mixture of many things. The kids like different sports, foods, and hobbies. They let Roberta know "You're one of Us" just by being yourself. The illustrations are bold and colorful.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I've been watching the new MTV reality series If You Really Knew Me. It's a series focusing on different cliques in different high schools and how they hurt and affect the students. As an elementary school counselor, this is a harsh reality I deal with even in the younger grades. Watching the series reminds me of the importance of reading books that encourage kids to accept one another and not hurt others based on what we wear, look like, or who we hang with. One of Us is a new story by author Peggy Moss and it's a beautiful example of how diversity should bring us together and not pull us apart. From my own professional experience I observe many students identifying themselves with a particular group. And sadly, sometimes these groups can become mean cliques and not very inclusive - they become hurtful and reject others. I see it across all of the grades (K-5) I work with. One of Us is a smart example of how to teach kids to be accepting of everyone and to cross boundaries. I already know this story is going to be a hit. Kids have huge hearts and want to be guided and encouraged to do the right thing. The possibilities of how to use this book with students are endless. It is going to be a solid resource in my school counseling curriculum for friendship, acceptance, diversity, bullying, and most importantly "Be Yourself." I cannot wait to start reading it this fall and I will be posting a part 2 review sharing the reaction and impact it had on students. As a school community, One of Us is going to be a helpful story to help students feel like one big group.

The publisher offers suggested activites to use with One of Us. Good Stuff!

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Book Review: Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon

Author: Patty Lovell
Illustrator: David Catrow
Interest Level: Ages 4-8

About This Book: Author Patty Lovell has created the perfect "imperfect" character in little girl Molly Lou Melon. She's shorter than short, with buck teeth, a voice that sounds like a bullfrog being squeezed by a boa constrictor, and quite the clutz. But none of that gets her down because grandma keeps telling her, "Believe in yourself and the world will believe in you too." And little miss Molly Lou Melon lives by those words and happily sees her "flaws" as gifts. But things change when she starts a new school. She becomes the bully target of Ronald Durkin who tries to put her down every chance he gets. But grandma's words of self-esteem live strong in Molly Lou Melon. Ronald eventually finds out, this little tiny gal does not waver. Maybe he is the one with the "flaws"? Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon is a shining example of "Be Yourself." The illustrations are comedic, colorful, and very entertaining.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: A+  Yep, you heard me. This book gets an A+ from the students and me. Molly Lou Melon is a "hot mess." I say that with such love and adoration. There are certain books I depend upon to help me teach the concept of self-esteem. This one is a winner. I see kids being bullied, put-down, and made fun of (I know, sad) at school. Most of them are not "built" to take this kind of cruelty. Are any of us really? We teach kids how to say "NO" to bullying, but are we teaching them how to keep their confidence and self-esteem intact? There is a silent emotional aftermath bullying can cause. Kids can walk away emotionally scarred. My biggest fear is when children start to believe the put-downs being said. Molly Lou Melon teaches kids to not let it bring you down but to "Stand Tall." This is a fabulous read and Molly's letter to grandma on the last page is the perfect ending. If you are looking for a great story to teach self-esteem and confidence, look no further. It is difficult to teach those concepts at an early age - this will surely help you!

A Link to This Book:

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Book Review: Our Friendship Rules

Author: Peggy Moss and Dee Dee Tardif
Illustrated by Alissa Imre Geis
Interest Level: Ages 7-10


About This Book: Alexandra and Jenny have been best friends for a long time. But when Alexandra is momentarily dazzled by the glamour of a new girl at school, she's willing to do almost anything to get to be the cool girl's friend. Ultimately, she tells Jenny's biggest, most important secret and just like that, Alexandra is in! But when Alexandra realizes what it feels like to lose her best friend, and sees the hurt she's caused, she knows she has make things right.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: Just read the reviews:

"This is a book any girl can relate to, not just because a friendship breaks apart, but because the girls figure out a way to stay together. It's a great model for what should happen in real life."
—Maya Brown, age 12

"We all make mistakes. We become better people when we learn from them. I love this story because Peggy Moss and Dee Dee Tardif reject one-dimensional "mean girls." Instead they offer us a real girl who does something she regrets, who recognizes the sadness, loss, and hurt she inflicts, and who is granted a great gift—the joy of knowing a friend's forgiveness. This should be a lesson to us all."

—Lyn Mikel Brown, co-author of Packaging Girlhood: Rescuing Our Daughters from Marketers' Schemes, author of Girlfighting: Betrayal and Rejection Among Girls, and Maya's mom

Friendships require maintenance. This book empowers students to create rules and limitations within their friendships. Our Friendship Rules has served as a guide for my students. Kids create their own list of friendship rules after we read the book. Ask your child or student, what should you do when someone breaks a friendship rule? What should the mending of a hurt look like? How does forgiveness play a part in friendships? And most importantly - how can we prevent hurts from ever happening? There is a lot of friendship drama going on in schools everyday. Which equals hurt feelings, exclusion, and unhappiness. Put this helpful read on your shelf to promote kindness and encourage healthy relationships.  

Check out the author's website Say Something Now.

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

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Book Review: My Best Friend

Author: Mary Ann Rodman

Illustrator: E.B. Lewis

Interest Level: Ages 4-9

From the Book Jacket: It's summer, and Lily spends lots of time at the community pool, where she sees Tamika. Lily decides that Tamika will be her new best friend. But Tamika already has a best friend, and no matter how hard Lily tries - from wearing a new bathing suit to perfecting her pool dive - she can't seem to impress Tamika. Lily just doesn't understand. Without Tamika, who will be Lily's best friend? 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I am always on the prowl for really good friendship books. This is one of those REALLY GOOD FRIENDSHIP BOOKS! Get it! There is definitely an element of bullying in My Best Friend. But I think the bigger discussion point is guiding our children towards making good friendship choices. Encourage kids to find friends that will treat them the way they want to be treated. I also introduce the term "good-fit" friend while I'm reading the story. Lily keeps trying to become friends with older girl Tamika. But she is treated quite horribly by her. Yet, she still pursues a friendship. I ask the kids, "This is not a good-fit friend. Why?" Eventually, Lily realizes who she needs to choose...Keesha - the true friend. You will not be disappointed in this book.

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