Speaking up!

We hear a lot about bullying lately.  In our schools, on T.V. on the Internet.  Though it is not a pleasant topic, it is important that we recognize what bullying is and how we can prevent it.

Along these lines, I would like to recommend a wonderful children's novel which nicely touches on this painful topic.

Minnie McClary speaks her mind, by Valerie Hobbs, is a gentle story about some not so gentle topics.  Minnie, our sixth grade protagonist has a lot to deal with.  Her father recently lost his job for "blowing a whistle", which lead to her family "downsizing" to a new neighborhood.  Her beloved uncle, recently home from Iraq, does not leave the basement and Minnie cannot seem to find the courage to make friends in her new school.

The fact that her English Language Arts class has been without a teacher since the start is not much of a help.  That is when the principal announces that Miss Lindsay Marks will be taking over.  Minnie hears a lot of gossip about Miss Marks by the time she arrives in class.  Miss Marks does not look much like a typical teacher.  Her hair is short and a little spiky, she wears jeans and T-shirts that have sayings, such as, "Live out Loud!".  She even has a small tattoo on her ankle.

In spite of a surprising first impression, Miss Marks reaches out to Minnie by encouraging her class to write in a daily journal.  She stresses the importance of asking questions, of being fair and reserving judgement of others based on appearance.  Through Miss Marks' teaching, Minnie finds a kindred spirit in classmate Amira, an Iraqi girl who is targeted for wearing a hijab. 

However, not everyone loves Miss Marks.  Some of her own students and even the PTA target her for her unconventional looks and teaching.  Minnie, who has rarely spoken up before finds something worth fighting for and learns to speak up against some very intimidating opposition. 

While some books on bullying tend to use heavy handed tropes, Minnie McClary adds a fresh young voice that readers will identify with.  Let's hope we are all brave enough to "speak our minds" and end the cycle of bullying.

-Posted by Miss Jessikah