Noni Speaks Up

Another great Noni book.  This book was beautiful and really resonated with me.  Even as an adult I can appreciate this story on bullying because it reminds me of my childhood.  I had a embarrassing situation happen to me in grade 8 and the next day I was so nervous/scared to get on the bus for the teasing I knew I would endure.  My saviour was a girl who told me not to worry, as we waited for the bus, that she would stick up for me.  I knew I was in good hands because she was known as a tough cookie and bad ass.  This book will do really well in our social responsibility section

This is a well-written book for young children. The main character, Noni, always does the right thing: she gives up her seat to seniors; she returns change dropped by others, and she holds the door open for pregnant ladies. However, she stands quietly by when a boy she knows is bullied because of his name and glasses.

I like how the character wrestled with herself over this. She cared about what people would think of her if she stepped in and said something. She didn't want her friends to turn against her. Ultimately, she does the right thing, and the little boy thanks her.  This is a wonderful book for young children. It isn't so complicated that they can't understand it. I give it 5 solid stars because I think teaching children that bullying is wrong should start with the youngest among us.

Another great Noni book.  I can see teachers and/or library staff sharing this story & engaging students in discussion about bullying, making choices and friendships.  I really liked how Genevieve did not use bright colors when referring to Noni's past.  Another big hit for Heather Hartt-Sussman and Genevieve Cote.