Writen by Erin Frankel
Illustrated by Paula Heaphy
Reading Level: Grades 2-3
Interest Level: Ages 5-9
Themes: Kindness, tolerance, liking oneself
Summary:
Luisa is repeatedly teased and called "weird" by her classmate Sam, even though she is simply being herself—laughing with her friends, answering questions in class, greeting her father in Spanish, and wearing her favorite polka-dot boots. Luisa initially reacts to the bullying by withdrawing and hiding her colorful nature. But with the support of her teachers, parents, classmates, and one special friend named Jayla, she is able to reclaim her color and resist Sam’s put-downs.
Pre-Reading Activity:
Ask: Why is the story in black and white except for the main characters. Why do you think the main characters are in color? Why do you think Luisa's colors fade as the bullying continues? Why do you think Luisa's polka dots float away? Have you ever been bullied? How did you feel?
Post-Reading Activity:
Have students write and illustrate their own story about bullying from their point of view. Were they the victim, bystander, or maybe even the bully? Encourage students to use color in a similar fashion as it was in the Weird! series to represent their power and how they overcame their problem. Allow students to share their stories with the classroom community. For younger students, allow them to do a drawing using colors that make them feel courageous, confident, and kind.
About the author:
Erin Frankel has an M.A. in English education and is passionate about teaching and writing. She taught ESL in Alabama before her recent move to Madrid, Spain, with her husband and three daughters. Erin knows firsthand what it feels like to be bullied, and she hopes her stories will help bring smiles back to children who have been involved in bullying. In her free time, Erin loves hiking in the Spanish mountains and kayaking in her hometown of Mays Landing, New Jersey.
Reflection:
I strongly feel this book and the other two accompanying books, Tough! and Dare! are important books to have and use in the classroom. I like that these books explore the issue of bullying from the 3 different vantage points. This allows the students to further understand the issues and empathize with each of the characters. It would be nice to see this series done again with male characters, as well. I feel this would help our male students.
I absolutely love this book and this series. Thank you so much for introducing me to these. I have purchased them and will use them often. I love the idea of having the students write from their perspective so we could see how they differ, what a great idea!!!
ReplyDeleteI remember you bringing this book and the series to our book club. With all the bullying, in school and online, this is a must have series in all elementary schools. Great illustrations, solid story, and amazing lesson to be taught.
ReplyDeleteI really like how not only you incorporate important life lessons about being yourself and how to properly deal with bullying but also included important visual literacy skills. By analyzing the pictures, the use of color, and change in style throughout the book, you are helping students develop visual literacy skills to better comprehend stories through the images and symbols in the illustrations. This is important not only in reading picture books, but also in understanding the messages in media in the outside world. Great book and great lesson ideas!
ReplyDeleteThanks guys...this series is one i love and will definitely use in the classroom!
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