For ages 5-11. A touching, inspirational story, "My Secret Bully" instantly draws young readers into Monica's world, where she is bullied by a friend and learns how to cope, survive, and thrive. Relational aggression is an act of emotional bullying hidden among tightly knit networks of friends. Instead of using knives and fists to bully others, emotional bullies employ relationships, words and gestures as their weapons of attack. Emotional bullying is often dismissed as a normal rite of passage, but research shows it is as harmful as physical aggression, with devastating, long-term effects. Name-calling, humiliation, exclusion, and manipulation are some bullying tactics Monica's friend Katie employs. Monica learns to face her fears of betrayal and social isolation, and reclaims her power from the bully with the help of a supportive adult -- her mother. Helpful tips, discussion questions, and additional resources are listed in the back of the book, which is a wonderful vehicle for parents, teachers, and counsellors.
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.
