Tag: bullying

image of Starfish book cover
Posted in MG Novels, So Many Good Books

Starfish

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

This book is for the big girls. And for those who need to understand how hurtful words can be. And for those needing more love.

Starfish (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2021) by Lisa Fipps is so well written.

This novel-in-verse is such a heart-wrenching believable story of Ellie who is often called Splash or Whale. It felt so true I found myself getting angry at Ellie’s mother. Why doesn’t she stop Ellie’s siblings from teasing her? Why doesn’t she see her daughter’s strengths? But with help Ellie learns how to speak up not only to bullies at school but to her own mother.

And I’m not alone in thinking this book is great. Go here to see all the Best Book lists it’s being put on.

This is the author’s debut novel. Can’t wait to see what else she writes. Read about Lisa here. (I enjoyed her sense of humor!)

cover of Super Manny Stands Up
Posted in PB, So Many Good Books

Super Manny Stands Up!

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Perfect Picture Book Friday

Super Manny Stands Up! (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2017) written by Kelly DiPucchio and illustrated by Stephanie Graegin is a book to cheer for. It’s cute and has a great message that doesn’t hit the reader over the head.

Manny wears all colors of capes and fights and wins many battles. At school he can only wear his invisible cape. His imaginary experiences help him be brave at school when it is needed.

I’m only sad I didn’t discover this book earlier. But there is a sequel now: Super Manny Cleans Up.

Read the award-winning author’s humorous bio here and check out her many books here. She’s one busy lady!

Check out the illustrator’s art here. Learn an interesting piece of trivia in her bio. She too has many books out–you can check them out here.

Posted in MG Novels

33 Minutes

Posted on by Susan Uhlig

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
33minutes.jpg33 Minutes (Aladdin, 2013) by Todd Hasak-Lowy is a fast and funny read. I love the descriptions of people and the food fight and the main character’s snarkiness. But the book has a serious side, too.
Seventh-grader Sam Lewis is going to get his butt kicked in 33 minutes by former friend Morgan Sturtz. And all the kids at school know it! But how did we get here? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
On his FAQ, the author explains how the book is not biographical, but it is emotionally biographical as we all go through losing friends. It also talks about the unusual format of the book. I love how in chapter one, Sam is always stating Fact and Opinion since that’s what his social studies teacher emphasizes.
This was Todd Hasak-Lowy’s first book for children, but he has written for adults and has a YA book coming out in 2015. Follow him on twitter @toddhasaklowy.