Picture Book:
My Secret Bully
Author: Trudy
Ludwig
Illustrator:
Abigail Marble
Summary:
Monica and Katie have been friends for years, but Monica is confused because now
there are times when Katie is mean to her. She calls her names, talks about her
in means ways to others, threatens Monica when she tries to play with mutual
friends, and pointedly leaves her out of conversations and activities. Eventually
Monica has no one to play with at recess so she starts to doubt herself and miss
school because of stomachaches. Monica confesses her trouble with Katie to her
mom who listens and helps her practice being more assertive via role-playing. The
next day Monica confronts Katie in front of the other girls, and their
relationship ends. Monica is sad about this loss, but she knows that real
friends don’t treat each other the way Katie has treated her. She chooses to
only be around people who really like her. Monica has new friends and no more
stomachaches.
Hanna’s Comments: One benefit of this author’s books is the way she has the
adult characters listening and then teaching appropriate coping strategies to the
children. Be sure to check out the Forward by Susan Wellman, founder of the Ophelia
Project. This introduction gives some details on emotional bullying aka relational
aggression. In the back you’ll find Making a Difference: A Note to Parents &
Teachers, a section called What can a Target do?, discussion questions, and lists
of additional resources. Today’s book continues this week’s PBT focus on
bullying before Anti-bullying week here in the US next week.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Tricycle Press, 2004
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1st and up
# of Pages:
32
Available in Spanish? Yes
Formats other than Book: Tablet
PBT Category:
Post 2K
PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, action, anxiety/worry, belonging, betrayal, bravery/courage, brokenness, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression,
challenges, conflict, discord, education/learning/school, emotions/feelings, endings,
enemies, exclusion/inclusion, friends/friendship,
injustice, insecurity, power, problems/problem solving, relationships, resisting
evil, security, self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem, trust/trustworthiness,
victims
Scripture Connections: A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17);
encourage one another and build one another up (1st Thessalonians
5:11)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary-aged
children if you are having any relationship problems in your group. Consider
having them engage in some role-playing similar to what you find in this story.
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