Literature for Injury Prevention

Allison Moss

Book Evaluation

The Recess Queen

1. Written by Alexis O’Neill, The Recess Queen is the story of Mean Jean. Mean Jean is the biggest bully on the school playground until a new girl arrives and catches Jean completely off guard. Katie Sue is not the least bit intimidated by the bully but she also challenges Jean’s status as the recess queen. In no time at all Jean and Katie Sue are best friends and the playground is once again a safe place for everyone.

2. This book is developmentally appropriate for first through second graders. I think that the first graders would like the illustrations and fun rhyming language in the story. The second graders would benefit from discussing how to deal with kids that are less than nice when there is no adult around. I think that second graders would also be surprised to learn that sometimes using humor to disarm a bully is just what is needed.

Bullying has been considered an expected part of growing up. Despite that fact it is terribly traumatic for children at any age to experience depending on such variables as the consistency and severity of the acts, the systems developed in order to support set bullied children, and also the internal capacity of a child to manage the bullying. Chapter seven defines bullying whether it is physical or verbal violence as an aggressive act that is carried out repeatedly in a relationship characterized by an imbalance of power. Bullying can cause some serious problems and as such must not be overlooked. The Recess Queen’s message is simplistic but there is definitely an element of truth in the fact that bullies, like Mean Jean, are people too and sometimes nothing is as effective as ingenuous disarmament.

4. As an educator I do not foresee any problems with using this book. In fact I think that The Recess Queen is an amazing resource when having difficulties with bullies. Just as chapter seven suggests it is important that as an educator, I take a stand against all forms of school violence, make a commitment to protect my students from emotional and physical injury, and also promote school safety as a foundation for the community.

5. A hands – on/student centered activity that could potentially be used in order to emphasize the theme of the book begins with students tracing their bodies on a piece of paper. The students should then cut out their bodies so that they now have a life – size version of themselves. Students should start saying insulting comments to the paper just as bully would do. Every time the body is insulted the students should crumble a section of the paper. Afterwards the students should apologize for the things they have said and start giving the body compliments. The compliments help to flatten the body and will remove any of the wrinkles from before. The students will hopefully understand how hurtful bullying can be on the body both physically and emotionally.

Jennifer Gray

Children’s Literature Book Evaluation

By: Jennifer Gray

Book title:

In My Neighborhood Police Officers

Written By:

Paulette Bourgeois

Illustrated By:

Kim LaFave

Description of the book:

(Summary taken from the front inside cover)

“Clank, clang, clatter, bang!” Natalie hears the commotion and she’s worried. Somebody has been stealing bicycles in the neighborhood. Natalie creeps into her parents’ room and whispers, “call the police.”

What happens after the police dispatcher gets the call? Young children will enjoy finding out in Police Officers- a book that introduces them to the important job done by these community workers. Young readers will follow the officers as they investigate a crime, make an arrest and appear in court. They will discover the many things police officers do, from undercover work to FBI investigations across states. The last section of this book gives children important tips about how to keep alert and stay safe.

For what level(s) is this book developmentally appropriate for?:

This book is a great book for children in grades ranging from 2^nd-5^th. This is a great age group because these are health issues that these students should be aware of. However, the younger readers might not be able to read this book by themselves so you can have local police officers come and read it or you can.

What messages about health are contained in the book?:

There are several messages in this book about safety.

• Remember to stay alert and stay safe
• Always stick with the same route for going to and from school, playgrounds, and friends’ homes. Make sure your parents know the routes you take. Check the route over with a parent for possible unsafe places.
• Always stay away from lonely parks, woods, parking lots and schoolyards late after school.
• Always go places with buddies and make sure your parents know where you are at all times. Keep your friends’ addresses and phone numbers by your phone.
• Always say “No” if anybody invites you alone into his or her home or car- even if you’re with friends.
• Always tell your parent of an adult you trust if something has happened that bothers you, even if it is about somebody your family knows well and likes. It’s not your fault if somebody acts in a way that makes you uncomfortable. You don’t have to keep it a secret no matter what anyone says.
• Always keep the door closed and locked when you are home alone.
• Always pretend you’ve got grown-up company if you’re home alone.
• Always have a family password. Adults who want you to stay with them, or go somewhere with them, must know the password.
• Always refuse to go anywhere with a stranger or somebody who makes you feel uncomfortable- no matter what they say to you.
• Never go anywhere with a stranger.

As an educator, what concerns, if any, might be generated in your classroom or district by using this book?:

There are a couple concerns with reading this book. Some parents might not like the implications that the statement “Always tell your parent of an adult you trust if something has happened that bothers you, even if it is about somebody your family knows well and likes. It’s not your fault if somebody acts in a way that makes you uncomfortable. You don’t have to keep it a secret no matter what anyone says.,” makes. Some of the suggestions in the book might be controversial because of the implications that parents wouldn’t do these things with their children. Some adults don’t like the idea that their child is being told to be responsible for some of these suggestions.

As the educator, you need to make sure that you preface the book and if you feel concerned that this book might become an issue with your student’s parents then send a note home or talk with the principal first to get an ok on the book.

Hands-on/student centered activity that could be used to emphasize the health theme or message of the book:

A great activity to do with the students after reading this book would be to make an emergency phone list. We can make a list that can go right next to the phone and a magnetic one that could be placed on his/her refrigerator at home. We also could as a class make a list of safety reminders and put them on a little check sheet that each student could have.

As the educator, you need to make sure that you preface the book and if you feel concerned that this book might become an issue with your student’s parents then send a note home or talk with the principal first to get an ok on the book.

Children’s Literature Review

Health Theme: Safety

Book: Officer Buckle and Gloria Author: Peggy Rathmann

1. Description of the book:

As can be derived from the title, there are only two main characters in this book. Officer Buckle is a police officer in the town of Napville that is dedicated to teaching important safety tips. However Officer Buckle’s lessons were often so monotonous that the schoolchildren would fall asleep. But that all changed the day that the police department bought themselves a police dog named Gloria. For when it was time for the next safety speech, Officer Buckle brought Gloria with him. Through her elaborate acts of mimicking Officer Buckle’s safety tips Gloria wins the children’s hearts; and in the end all learn the very important safety tips Officer Buckle was telling them all along.

2. For what level(s) is this book developmentally appropriate for? Why?

This book would be appropriate to use in a Kindergarten or 1^st grade class. This is a very basic story that would be good for children just beginning to read.

3. What messages about health are contained in the book?

The importance of safety and listening to those who are trying to keep them safe are two messages of health that can be found in this book.

4. As and educator, what concerns, if any, might be generated in your classroom or district by using this book?

I do not see any substantial concerns being generated through the reading of this book.

5. Suggest a hands-on/student centered activity that could be used to emphasize the health theme or message of the book.

Have the children write out their own safety tips on star shaped pieces of paper. Before hanging them up around the room, have each student read his or her safety tip to the class and discuss why it’s importance.