Stand Up!
Lisa Roth, M.D. & Karen Siris, Ed.D, authors
Marsha Levitin, illustrations
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, Fiction, August 2012
Suitable for: 6 and up
Themes: Bullying, Standing Up, Friendship, Relational Aggression
Opening/Synopsis: “When I wake up in the morning, I like to think about what fun I am going to have that day. Today I am happy because one of my friend is coming over after school to play.” The narrator in this book is lucky to have friends who like and support him at school. He realizes that this isn’t true for all the kids, especially Jamie, who wants to play kick ball during recess. She is teased and called mean names by Alex and other kids. The narrator observes how Alex knocks Jamie’s sandwich on the floor and stamps on it and shoves her into the locker in the hallway. He realizes that things need to change, even if he’s afraid of Alex. He notices the kids at school who are kind, helpful and work together. He comes up with a plan to stop bullying at the school and writes a note to his caring classmates: “Meet me on the monkey bars during recess to be part of a secret mission. See you then.” The Caring Majority is born and there is power in their numbers to “stand up” for themselves and their classmates.
Why I like this book: Lisa Roth, M.D. and Karen Siris, Ed.D. have written a powerful book about kids solving their own problems in a positive way without asking adults to intervene. This compelling story gives parents and teachers the opportunity to discuss positive ways of preventing bullying at school. The artwork is unique and done in muted pastels. Each page is a picture of feet, which is very symbolic in the story and to the bully’s reaction. Very creative idea.
Resources: The authors have provided a back page with a Teacher’s Guide and Discussion Questions. There is information about starting a Caring Majority in your school. Write to bullyinterventionexperts@gmail.com. You may visit Lisa Roth, M.D. at her website, The Magical Journey. Karen Siris, Ed.D, is a principal and professor dedicated to preventing bullying in her school district. She is recognized for the work she has done creating a caring majority of “upstanding students in her Long Island school.
This book has been provided to me free of charge by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review of the work.
What an interesting story Pat, having it told by the observer. I think many of those who’ve suffered from bullying would be so glad to know that there was someone who would stand up for them, when they are unable to do so themselves. Interesting links to. As always your reviews are thorough, informative, and inspiring. Thankyou for sharing this one with us, Pat.
Diane, yes having a young boy as a narrator was a unique approach. You only knew he was a boy observing and taking action. I am happy you enjoyed the book.
Super! I’ll have to read this, Pat. Kids solving bullying is great.
Catherine, I thought the authors really wrote a book that will empower kids. And they provid excellent back page material for teachers/parents and students.
Wonderful!
Thanks for another excellent book about dealing with bullying. It’s good to show kids that they can work together and take action against bullies.
Thank you Beth. It is a very empowering book for kids!
Great bullying theme. Bullying begins in school, and if kids don’t stand up to these bullies, with help from their friends, they will continue bullying in their adult life. If you have friends willing to support you, bullies soon learn to slink away – or change their ways. Being a friend to a bullied child is a wonderful thing. Congrats on a terrific and empowering story.
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Margot, I was very impressed with this book. I liked the focus on the kids solving the problem. Unusual artwork that really made a statement in the story. Thanks for stopping.
You know I love bullying books. I want to see this one, just for the illustrations! Sounds like a real original.
Yes, I do too! And there are really some great books out there for kids of all ages. This one is very original.
I love the visual of the feet symbolism, Pat. Kids do relate well to stories where the children themselves resolve the problem(s). It sounds like a very empowering read.
Joanna, I know the visual of the feet grabed my attention. At first I wasn’t sure, but as I read the book I realized the feet and different stances showed the action. Very creative and empowering.
Sounds like a very empowering book, Pat. I can’t quite tell from the description… is it a picture book or a chapter book? I love that it’s all illustrated with feet!
Susanna, it is a picture book. There are no faces or bodies, just leggs and feet on each page — each picture makes a statment. Very unique and powerful.
What a beautiful book! Story and pictures. Just legs and feet?! Awesome! I hope that there really are kids like this who will stand up for the underdog. I see it some at my school but not a lot.
One of the authors has worked hard in her school district to create an “upstanding” program in the schools. Kids are encouraged to create the “Caring Majority” where they look out and intervene when someone is bullied. This books needs to be in the hands of every school!
This is an interesting bullying book. It talks about another way to stop bullying. It is a good idea to have a no bullying club/group. That is good.🙂
Erik, I was hoping for your input as I like your take on things that impact. I could see you as part of a “Caring Majority.” Thanks for commenting. This bok is great for school.
You’re right – I WOULD be a part of a “Caring Majority”. You know me well! This would be a great book for bullying prevention week!🙂
This sounds wonderful. Bullying is such a horrible thing – this would be nice for teachers to have as required reading. Sounds like it teaches a good lesson.🙂
This book should be in every school library. There is an important back page that talks about creating a “Caring Majority” of kids in schools. Thank you for visiting.
Sounds like a great idea to tackle bullying.
Niamh, this book is unique and really gives kids excellent tools to empower themselves.
This is timely, as I have a friend whose son is dealing with bullying in 2nd grade right now. I love the premise of the Caring Majority.
Shannon at Writing From the Peak
Thank you so much for visiting. Second grade seems so young, but I know it’s a reality. The book is excellent and the idea of the Caring Majority should be implemented in all schools.