GR 4-6

Written for children aged 10 and up, Sandra McLeod Humphrey tackles common problems that some kids may face such as confrontations with bullies, peer pressure, popularity and verbal put downs. Each story covers serious, often painful issues, which read from the child's point of view and they are asking for help. At the end of each vignette, the author poses questions under "More to think about" and "Trading Places" headings. The latter of which asks the reader how they would feel if they were that child and treated in the same manner. Even topics such as substance abuse are covered in a way the y
oung reader can easily relate to as one of the characters and form an opinion and draw their own conclusions of the stressful situations some children face. Not necessarily for themselves, but maybe a friend who is being bullied or is facing another problem and they don't know how to help them.

To me, whether in a class setting or reading the book at home alone, there are ample opportunities to make the reader think, while raising important ethical and moral issues in a way that children of that age will be able to relate to and reflect upon by putting themselves in the shoes of both the bully and the victim. An invaluable achievement, and I'd recommend this book to parents, teachers and anyone who works with children.

Very importantly, Hot Issues Cool Choices: Facing Bullies, Peer Pressure, Popularity and Put-Downs is a cool looking book. It has great cartoons of older kids that are not corny or "babyish", the writing is not condescending, and it does no
t look like a boring "self-help" book that many kids wouldn't look twice at or be embarrassed about reading.

Another good aspect I like about the book is the authors say these case studies are based on real stories from teachers and pupils who have either seen these events happening or experienced them for themselves. And when you read some of these stories that really makes an impression. Another reason why this works is that there are no "adult" this is what you should've done, this is where you went wrong - type answers. It is written in a way where the reader has to draw their own conclusions based on their own moral and ethical findings. ( )

It's been quite a few years since I was in school, but I can remember seeing the bullying, teasing, and taunting that went on in the classrooms, on the playground, and on the bus. Unfortunately, times are not any easier for today's children.

This book covers many of the issues that kids face in elementary and middle school. The book is written in a very conversational tone (to speak directly to the student) and each story ends with "More to Think About" (what should the character do, why do you think the bully is acting that way, etc) and "Trading Places" (have you ever felt like this?).

This book is appropriate (and probably necessary) for students as young as third grade. The stories could be read aloud to the class with a writing assignment to follow up (or classroom discussion). This is a very valuable book. ( )

Hot Issues: Cool Choices is an excellent resource for teachers, particularly teachers of upper elementary students. There are a wide variety of scenarios presented from the perspective of the bullied student, and from the perspective of the bullier; this means that students can learn from and identify with one or both perspectives when these scenarios are incorporated into classrooms through small group discussions. Cyberbullying is even addressed in a story, and this is an increasing issue in schools today. Peer pressure is a real issue that is addressed through stories in this book.

The simplistic scenarios are real enough for students in upper elementary, perhaps through sixth grade. However, these stories can also be used as a springboard for discussion or journaling activities for older students because they may have already experienced similar situations and can write more advanced stories of their own. Giving male and female students classroom practice in thinking critically about bullying and peer pressure can be invaluable for positive reinforcement as well. This book can also become part of a teacher's plan to build a classroom environment that is supportive of positive behavior and open, honest discussion.

I recommend this book for teachers, counselors and other school staff to use in their classrooms. Parents can also use stories from this book at home. This book would not be as valuable for students to read on their own unless an adult can guide them through critical thinking and discussion. There needs to be some follow-up and follow-through for students to receive the full benefit of these stories. ( )

I am honestly not quite sure what to say about this book. I think that it is really sad that this book is probably needed by most children to learn how not to be a sheep. This book has little stories that teenagers may find themselves facing in day to day life, with questions at the end of each story to talk about with their parents. However, reading this book, I felt that many of the stories were very simplistic and that children should be taught these things by their parents before the age the book is recommended for(age 10). Maybe these ideas (not blindly following the crowd, wanting to fit in to the point of losing who you are, etc) should be taught not just by stories, but throughout a child's life.

However, I am realistic enough to realize that this does not happen anymore. I do think that this book would be perfect for middle school guidance counselors and the like. Parents of tweeners would do well to pick it up, read it, and work it into conversations with their children. I am going to get off my soapbox now and go read another book. ( )