Confessions of a Former Bully [Hardcover]

Trudy Ludwig (Author), Beth Adams (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: August 24, 2010 | Age Range: 6 - 9 years | Lexile Measure: 810L (What's this?)

After Katie gets caught teasing a schoolmate, she's told to meet with Mrs. Petrowski, the school counselor, so she can make right her wrong and learn to be a better friend. Bothered at first, it doesn't take long before Katie realizes that bullying has hurt not only the people around her, but her, too. Told from the unusual point of view of the bullier rather than the bullied, Confessions of a Former Bully provides kids with real life tools they can use to identify and stop relational aggression.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3-6–In a fictional scrapbook, a self-confessed former bully recounts both her own actions as a perpetrator and the steps she took to rectify her behavior. Under the guise of giving an insider's look, Katie provides information about why bullies do what they do and some possible steps that targets and bystanders can take to stand up to them. Meant to offer advice, the insights occasionally feel too adult to be truly accessible to kids, but the language and casual writing style are age appropriate. Despite the moments when Katie's transformation seems too pat and convenient to be believable, the advice is sound and there are specific examples that will be helpful, even if older readers may feel as though they've heard it all before. Jotted notes, doodles, and related quotes are peppered throughout, adding to the scrapbook format. The illustrations are a mix of collage and drawings; they are fun but not particularly noteworthy. Further reading for children and adults, as well as the websites listed at the end of the book, are useful resources.Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA
© Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

From Booklist

Ten-year-old Katie finds herself where no child wants to be, in the principal’s office with both her parents. Caught bullying a friend on the school playground, she must meet with the school counselor once a week and figure out how to atone for her actions. As Katie learns more about herself and her options, she keeps a diary-like notebook of reflections and advice as well as facts about physical, emotional, and cyberbullying; why people bully others; and what tools kids can use when they experience or witness bullying. In a style similar to Marissa Moss’ Amelia’s Notebook series, Katie’s notebook features childlike drawings, and cartoons with digital-collage elements combine with boxed facts and quotes to brighten the pages. Although the story may be a vehicle for information, the many children looking for advice on bullying will find this journal more thought-provoking, practical, and readable than many nonfiction books on the subject. Grades 3-5. --Carolyn Phelan

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 6 - 9 years
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Tricycle Press (August 24, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582463093
• ISBN-13: 978-1582463094
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.4 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62,856 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Bullies

More About the Author

Trudy Ludwig
Making a Difference in Kids' Lives, One Book at a Time(R)

Trudy is a nationally acclaimed speaker and an award-winning author who specializes in writing children's books that explore the colorful and sometimes confusing world of children's social interactions. She has received rave reviews nationwide from educators, experts, organizations, and parents for her passion and compassion in addressing peer aggression and friendship issues. Trudy presents at schools and conferences around the country and has been profiled on national and regional television, radio, and newsprint.

Trudy's books have received Mom's Choice Gold Awards, Moonbeam Children's Books Gold Award, and are included in the Cooperative Children's Book Center's "Best of the Year" selection, NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Books for Young People selection, and the National Crime Prevention Council's "Circle of Respect" book club selection. She has been featured on ABC's Good Morning America; PBS's Keeping Kids Healthy, and Sesame Street Workshop's Expert Panel video series on bullying.

"Because the social world of today's children is very complex and difficult to navigate, I try to include in my stories the wisdom and insights of young readers so that my books resonate with the authenticity of their life experiences and views," she says. "I also have the added pleasure of tapping into my own inner child--letting her laugh, cry, and simply breathe."

For more information about Trudy, her books, school visits, conference keynotes, and workshop presentations, please visit www.trudyludwig.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Review from Books That Heal Kids October 4, 2010

By Books That Heal Kids

Format:Hardcover

I can't begin to tell you how many times I've used different bullying curriculums over the years and been disappointed. They were unrelateable, boring, and not very inspiring to kids. As an elementary school counselor, this is unacceptable. Especially, because there are kids at my school who are finding themselves victims of bullying or they are the bullies themselves and need help. I only want the best of the best on my bookshelf when it comes to tackling serious issues like bullying. Author Trudy Ludwig writes the best of the best and every single one of her books are on my shelf.

Confessions of a Former Bully is Trudy's latest book and it is SO relateable, engaging, and will inspire kids. And guess what....it's a follow up to My Secret Bully!! There's a lot of reasons I love this new book but the main one has to do with my students. They are Trudy Ludwig super fans like myself. Every school year we've read her stories over and over. I've witnessed the positive impact and difference they've made in childrens' lives. So when I read it for the first time I was thrilled for the kids in my school because they will BENEFIT immensely.

It is written for the upper elementary grades (3rd grade and up). This was a jump for joy moment for me. I am familiar with every single children's book about bullying on the market. There is a gaping hole in the upper elementary grades for good bullying literature. But Confessions just majorly filled it. Not only is it written for this age group but the illustrations and layout are cool and engaging for this population of kids. So put your dull bullying curriculums back on the shelf.

This is the story of what happened to Katie from My Secret Bully and also a tool kit on how to deal with bullying and how to turn bully behavior around. With the help of her school counselor, Katie is on a journey to turn this behavior around. I have many kids who are on this same path. The book is FULL of helpful information and answers the real questions kids have about bullying like....'Why am I bullying others?'....'What are consequences?'.....'How can I get empowered to deal with bullies?'...and much more. It also lets them know that when adults get involved - it's a good thing!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, again August 29, 2010

By Cathy ML

Format:Hardcover

Loved it.
Confessions of a Former Bully, honestly, should be read by every kid, and every teacher in grade school, and discussed at length. I am a former teacher and this is the most insightful book you will ever read on this topic. This is a book written by Katie, a former bully, about what she used to do/say to other kids to bully them. Her character arc from the beginning of the book until the end, what she learns about herself, what she learns about bullying and the impact it has on her and other kids, and how she changes her attitude and behaviors are perfect for class discussions. So many kids will see themselves, in different places, all over this book. Some might see themselves as bullies, others might see themselves as being bullied - or both, but it gives the kids insight, this incredible insight, as to who they are, and how their actions, positive and negative, impact others. Plus, Ludwig has put in Quick Facts about bullying, quotes from famous people, "what to do" types of advice, "tool belts" for dealing with bullies, and what good friends and bad friends look like. It's a story - but then there's all the practical stuff in there, too, about bullying. Can I say it this way? It's an awesome - excellent book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Confessions of a Former Bully October 31, 2010

By Cynthia

Format:Hardcover

This book, although great on it's own, is a perfect follow-up to My Secret Bully. It takes the concepts of recognizing bullying and goes to the next level with them, which is how to think about ourselves and stand up for ourselves when we are being bullied, our responsibilities as a bystander, and when to get adult intervention. It can be broken into several lessons for students, including role playing and writing activities, and is great for the 10-12 year old age group. Students love the illustrations and the Friendship Chart. The resources at the back of the book are current and helpful.