Millie Mae Speaks Up to a Bully Today

I can recommend this manuscript because it teaches children a positive approach in confronting a person who is bullying them. The story is appealing to young children. “Squeaky” is an enjoyable character. Children love stories with animals that talk. The emphasis on speaking up when you are being hurt is important. Young children often are afraid and don’t know what to say so they become victimized more. This story clearly shows a girl who learned how speaking up helped her deal with the problem she was having. Parents and teachers need good literature that assist them in helping young children understand who a bully is and what to do if you are bullied. Throughout the course of a school year, a teacher looks for books that reinforce good behaviors. This book would be of value in the classroom. Five and six year olds are just starting to understand the concept of children who bully. This story gives them a simple and meaningful introduction to bullying. Seven and eight year olds would be able to read this story. They could act out the story if it were made into a short class play. They also could write their own story when they had to speak up to someone who was bullying them or a friend. At this time, there is a lot of attention in schools regarding bullying…anti bullying pledges, etc. The schools are very serious in their quest to successfully make children aware of bullying. The goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment for all the children. Rosemary Cicero Rosemary is a retired teacher, with thirty plus years in early childhood classrooms.

I recommend this manuscript because it teaches a wonderful message and is engaging. I had a hard time putting the manuscript down and wanted to keep on reading. The story is realistic and represents what many students and children go through at school. I liked how Millie Mae had normal reactions to her problem with the bully. I also thought that the idea of having an animal (tree frog) as a friend was great. Children love stories with animals in them. The way Squeaky and Millie Mae talked through her problem with Sally Ann, was a great model for how children could talk and think through problems with others. Speaking up for yourself in an appropriate way is a life skill that is needed and some children need to be taught. This book would be a great story to read and a teaching tool as well. This book would be of interest through most elementary grades. There are few books out there that address this topic in such an appropriate way, yet still have a page turner of a story. Deidre Olson Deidre has been an elementary librarian for fourteen years, and is the mother of two children.

I dedicate this book to my mother, who waited patiently to see this book published, and who never said an unkind word about anyone.

Bella Boo and I walked home from school together, as usual, that day. We were quiet. I could tell she wanted to talk to me, but didn’t know what to say. I didn’t either. She fidgeted with her back pack, ate a cookie that was left in her lunch box, and jumped over every crack in the sidewalk. From my driveway, I watched Bella Boo skip to her house. When I couldn’t see her anymore, I ran to the tree outside my bedroom window. I had to talk to Squeaky! As I climbed the tree to my favorite spot, I felt a lump in my throat. It was so quiet up there, and with all of the leaves around me, I felt safe; like nobody could see me. “Maybe I should try to get rid of this lump in my throat before I talk to Squeaky,” I thought. Instead, I heard myself whisper, “Squeaky, where are you? I need to talk to you!” I waited. The leaves started to rustle above me. The rustling got closer and closer, and then my little tree frog friend landed on the branch next to me.