Written and Illustrated by Patricia Polacco
Hope you don’t mind my sharing a powerful book we read to our upper grades. It is Bully by Patricia Polacco. Without exception, within a few pages, each class became absolutely silent. You could sense that each student related to the story in one way or another. It took two visits to finish the book. If for some reason we didn’t pull it out the second week, the students reminded us.
Review by Kay Thomas, Eastwood Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-6
Two 6th graders, new to the school, become fast friends and help and support each other when a popular clique of girls bully them personally and online. When Lyla begins to hang out with the clique and leaves Jamie behind, she learns what true friendship is. Patricia Polacco brings to light bullying in the 21st century in her beautifully illustrated style. I liked this book because it comes right to the point and shows the effects of what this major problem in schools today can create. The question at the end opens up a door for discussion. Teachers could us this book as an introduction for class discussion as well as parents with their children. It also gives thought for the individual reader. A very powerful and important book.
Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: All ages with discussion
Author Website: www.patriciapolacco.com
Bully
Written by Patricia Polacco
G.P. Putnam’s Sons
48 pages
Release Date: September 13, 2012
ISBN: 9780399257049 (hardcover)
“Friendship
Cyberbullying
Bullies
Popularity
Schools”
