True stories from New York Times bestselling author Jodee Blanco's tours Have you ever felt alone, as if no one understands what you're going through, and that no matter how hard you try, you're scared things may never get better? Do you wish your classmates would give you a break? I felt that way often in school. I was bullied and excluded for the same reason maybe you or someone you know has been--simply for being different. There were days when all I wanted was to stay in my room. Back then, I would have given almost anything to meet the kids you're going to meet here. Autumn dreaded recess. Joshua was afraid to trust anyone at home or at school. Taylor had lots of friends until her BFF turned them all against her. Gabe's online gaming world was turned upside down when other players started humiliating him. A teacher was bullying Brianna. Eric's Asperger's made him the butt of cruel jokes. The cool crowd beat up Tiffany and videotaped it for YouTube. Zach got punched and stomped on because of his weight. Trinity felt invisible. Aamina was harassed because of her family's religious beliefs. Riley had to live with the soul-crushing weight of mental illness as well as the other students who jeered at her plight. These are some of the brave teens who will be talking to you in this book. They--and others they inspired--found the courage to stand up to their bullies and reclaim their lives, and you'll hear exactly how they did it. You're not alone anymore.

Book Features: • Ages 6-9, Grades 1-4, Guided Reading Level S, Lexile 560L • 24 pages, 7 1⁄2 inches x 10 inches • Features vibrant, full-color photographs • Includes a vocabulary list, review questions, glossary, index, and extension activity included • Reading/teaching tips included Speaking Up: In Kids Speak Out About Bullying, your child will read about three courageous youth activists who each used their experiences with bullying to create empowering anti-bullying solutions, including a foundation, a program, and an app. Getting Involved: Along with sharing the real-life stories of current young anti-bullying activists and helping 1st- through 4th-graders understand bullying, this 24-page book also includes a list of 10 practical ways kids can help stop bullying. Social Studies Reader: Supporting the C3 Framework State Standards, this book features intriguing social issues stories and builds reading comprehension with a vocabulary list, reading tips, teaching tips, review questions, and an extension activity. Empowering Kids: Part of the Kids Speak Out series, this inspiring book highlights youth who are standing up against bullying. Each title in the series tells the true stories of kids who are changing the world and lists 10 ways to get involved. Why Rourke Educational Media: Since 1980, Rourke Publishing Company has specialized in publishing engaging and diverse non-fiction and fiction books for children in a wide range of subjects that support reading success on a level that has no limits.

Kids express how they feel about bullies and bullying.

SPEAK OUT ABOUT BULLYING: Learn about some incredible kids who had the courage to speak out about bullying and what you can do to join them! SOCIAL STUDIES READER FOR CHILDREN: Bullying hurts people around the world every single day. How can we help stop it? By speaking out! This book provides an introduction to the problem of bullying and highlights youth advocates around the world. INCLUDES: This 24-page book for grades 1 to 4 includes a glossary, after-reading questions, and an extension activity. BENEFITS: As they learn about kids who had the courage to speak out and make a positive difference, readers will be inspired to speak out, too! Each book includes a list of 10 ways for the reader to get involved in these important issues and help change the world. WHY ROURKE: Since 1980, we’ve been committed to bringing out the best non-fiction books to help you bring out the best in your young learners. Our carefully crafted topics encourage all students who are "learning to read" and "reading to learn"!

While other children were daydreaming about dances, first kisses, and college, Jodee Blanco was trying to figure out how to go from homeroom to study hall without being taunted or spit upon as she walked through the halls. This powerful, unforgettable memoir chronicles how one child was shunned—and even physically abused—by her classmates from elementary school through high school. It is an unflinching look at what it means to be the outcast, how even the most loving parents can get it all wrong, why schools are often unable to prevent disaster, and how bullying has been misunderstood and mishandled by the mental health community. You will be shocked, moved, and ultimately inspired by this harrowing tale of survival against insurmountable odds. This vivid story will open your eyes to the harsh realities and long-term consequences of bullying—and how all of us can make a difference in the lives of teens today.

Collects personal accounts from teenagers who have been bullied and describes how each person found the courage to stand up to their bullies and reclaim their lives.

Bullying hurts people around the world every single day. How can we help stop it? By speaking out! In Kids Speak Out About Bullying, you'll learn about some incredible kids who had the courage to speak out about this issue, and what you can do to join them!