TOUGH TOPICS

These titles address common yet difficult issues that children face—bullying, fighting, peer pressure, death, and divorce and separation. Each book contains straightforward information about the subject and answers common questions children may have to help them make informed decisions. Grades 1–3. Index. Glossary. Heinemann Raintree. 32 pages each. ©2008.

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These titles are solid resources for teachers, librarians, counselors, and parents, as well as children. Their strength is the clear, concise writing and well-placed questions that provide adults with excellent discussion starters. The topics are presented in an age-appropriate manner.For example, Bullying defines its topic as “hurting, scaring, or leaving someone out on purpose. Bullying is unkind and unfair.” Children will have no trouble understanding this definition and recognizing the experience. Good advice is provided, such as finding a trusted adult if you are being bullied or you are witnessing a fight; or talking to a parent, teacher, or principal (or a grandparent in Brothers and Sisters) if you need help or are scared or angry. The color photos don’t add a lot to the texts-some appear to be staged and there are two pictures that are repeated in two different books, but they may be useful in discussing body language. Recommended.
—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL School Library Journal

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