Trouble Talk [Hardcover]

Trudy Ludwig (Author), Mikela Prevost (Illustrator), Charisse L. Nixon (Foreword)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Maya's friend Bailey loves to talk about everything and everyone. At first, Maya thinks Bailey is funny. But when Bailey's talk leads to harmful rumors and hurt feelings, Maya begins to think twice about their friendship.

In her fourth book for children, relational aggression expert Trudy Ludwig acquaints readers with the damaging consequences of "trouble talk"-talking to others about someone else's troubles in order to establish connection and gain attention. Includes additional resources for kids, parents, and teachers, as well as advice from Trudy about how to combat trouble talk. Trudy Ludwig's books have sold more than 50,000 copies. Includes foreword by Dr. Charisse L. Nixon, author of Girl Wars: 12 Strategies That Will End Female Bullying.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–4—When Bailey comes to Hoover Elementary, Maya is picked to be her Welcome Buddy. At first, Maya likes having a new, lively friend, but at a sleepover, Bailey is cruel to another girl. Later, she overhears a conversation on the playground and broadcasts confidential information. Finally, after listening to Maya's parents fight, she spreads the rumor that they're getting a divorce, causing Maya to seek the school counselor's help. Ms. Bloom defines Bailey's actions as "trouble talk…. Spreading rumors, saying hurtful things, and sharing information that isn't hers to share are examples of the kind of talk that leads to nothing but trouble." She gives Maya tips on how to not get involved and to choose instead "kids who make you feel safe." As the story ends, Bailey works to remedy her conduct. Given the prevalence of these behaviors, young readers will readily identify with Maya's dilemma and appreciate the straightforward text. Colorful and expressive mixed-media art depicts a refreshing and realistic multicultural schoolyard. A foreword, geared toward adults, gives insight into this type of bullying, discussing the need to connect with others in constructive rather than destructive ways. Appended are an author's note with further tips for addressing the problem, discussion questions, and additional resources. This picture book would be well used by school counselors or social workers to interface with a child who's exhibiting or harmed by "trouble talk."—Martha Topol, Traverse Heights Elementary School, MI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"Trudy Ludwig, acclaimed author of My Secret Bully and Just Kidding, hits the mark again with Trouble Talk. Her picture books about coping in the social world are deeply rooted in real life for children today." --Committee for Children

"Given the prevalence of these behaviors, young readers will readily identify with Maya's dilemma and appreciate the straightforward text. Colorful and expressive mixed-media art depicts a refreshing and realistic multicultural schoolyard. This picture book would be well used by school counselors or social workers to interface with a child who's exhibiting or harmed by "trouble talk." -- School Library Journal, June, 2008

"Ludwig acknowledges the lure of connection and the pleasure of sharing information about each others but also exposes the harm that words can do." -- Kirkus Reviews, April 14, 2008

"While the message in Trouble Talk is clear to young children, the story is realistic and does not become didactic. A foreword by Charisse L. Nixon, director of research for the Ophelia Project, explains that girls are more vulnerable to this destructive way of connecting to their peers. The author concludes with a brief note on relational aggression, ways to engage children in healthier friendships and empower bystanders of trouble talk, questions for discussion, a list of related organizations and Web sites, and a bibliography. As she notes that researchers are discovering that trouble talk is on the rise and equally or even more harmful than physical bullying, this picture book will prove to be a valuable resource for children, educators, and parents alike." -- ForeWord, May, 2008

Trudy Ludwig, author of Trouble Talk, is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award. The Mom's Choice Awards honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of the Mom's Choice Awards. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book/product has been honored by this distinguished award. --Mom's Choice Awards, 2009

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Tricycle Press (May 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582462402
• ISBN-13: 978-1582462400
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 0.4 x 10.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,845 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A True Learning Experience, September 2, 2008

By 

Cathy ML (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trouble Talk (Hardcover)

This is one of the best books for children I've ever read. Trouble Talk tackles, so well, so completely, the REAL social problems that kids have to deal with - the rumors, the difficult friendships, difficult relationships, forgiveness, lies, trust...and the story is told so realistically. I could clearly hear all of the characters' voices in my head! This book would be perfect for a teacher to read to her students. I think it would spark such wonderful discussions about the above listed topics. Kids can learn so much from this book, and from each other, if only we talk about these subjects as Trudy Ludwig so beautifully did.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book on relational aggression with girls, February 25, 2009

By 

Lauren Ross (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Trouble Talk (Hardcover)

There are so few books about the complicated layers of childhood friendships. As a school social worker, this is one of the first I've seen that addresses relational aggression in a very real way. I'd recommend this book for 2nd-5th graders (especially girls), perhaps reading to a halfway point and then stopping to ask questions of the class. What would you do if you were this character? How do you think this one feels? There are also some very helpful tips for discussion at the end of the book.
My only issue with the book is that it has a nice tidy ending, like several of Ludwig's stories. It might be helpful to have a conversation with kids about this--how realistic is this ending? How might things happen at your school in this situation?

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book!!!, June 5, 2008

By 

Jill Zimmerman Rutledge, M.S.W., LCSW (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trouble Talk (Hardcover)

Smart book about how words can hurt a friendship--and how friendships can heal. Trudy Ludwig has made a difficult topic accessible to young readers. I recommend it highly.