Bullies, Bigmouths and So-Called Friends

This is wrote very simply so a child can understand what is happening and gives a great understanding in my opinion to the parent/carer on how to handle a most difficult time. It is a guidance only. And though doesn't come up with all the answers and all the scenarios which would be impossible. I would certainly recommend it. It helped me a distraught mother in understanding different terminologies to use and identify different types of manipulation, intimidation, verbal, physical and now cyber bullying. We can only try and do our best and guide our children, they are not us and I have learnt from this book that by saying "you should say this and do that or ignore them" is not helpful to my child. With the help of this book I am trying to build self esteem and confidence in their own self and well being so that they learn that it is not OKAY to be picked on or put down by anyone, that they are important..... I wish you well in reading this book and though my daughter refused to read it, I have used the words and hints to guide her..... I have borrowed it to a friend who's daughter wants to read it...... Hopefully the world will be a better place for all people who are put down from helpful reading of this book.

I found this book most helpful. I bought it for a young friend who was having a lot of trouble with bullies. althought the book was written for the person being bullied I was advised to let his MUM read it first! Excellent!!

I cannot rate this book high enough! I bought this book for my 8yr old son who has problems with un-supervised times in school and his interaactions with his peers. He loves reading and was quite eager to read this book. Written for kids and the style fits perfectly and provided lots of examples for him to relate to. Some great examples and good advice. Really helpful for explaining Anger; difference between anger and agression; and ways to harness and use the anger for a positive result. This book covers so much and also includes a chapter on Fear and how to cope and deal with fear. Overall I have read many books on childrens anxieties, emotional development and social interaction/behavioural but this book is aimed at kids and is written in a way that empowers kids to take ownership and responsibility for their actions. It is refreshing to be able to discuss with my son the content and not be solely there dishing out advice. This works as he is beginning to relate to the book and put into practice the cognitive way of thinking that he is not the loser and hoping his self esteem will improve over time.

I bought this book along with "Stick up for yourself:every kid's guide to personal power and self esteem" and "The Unwritten Rules of Friendship" for my year 5 (aged 9 rising 10) daughter who had been struggling with "friendship problems" as the school terms them, as well as some persistent teasing. This book was easy for her to read as well as me. The little projects along the way with paper and pencil were unappealing to her, so she didn't do them, but there were lots of useful sections on recognising emotions in more detail than she was used to, so that she could discuss and understand her feelings in a more useful way. There were many little examples of teasing and unkind behaviour which she could easily relate to and she read the whole book with enthusiasm. This book made her understand that part of why she was being made so upset at school was because she lacked confidence, and that knowledge in itself helped her enormously. A great value book for getting to grips with feelings and bullies.

My son is nine and has ASD, so I'm aware of the potential for bullying in the future. This is a great book for increasing resilience in children. It does have examples of situations for boys and girls (although the cover does make it look as if it's aimed at boys). My son liked the multiple choice 'what would you do' quizzes because the options were funny. He enjoyed this book and enjoyed telling me all about it. He doesn't think it will make him more able to stand up to bullies (he's already very good at this) , but I think it will have helped him identify some situations that he wouldn't have particularly noticed were a problem in the past. A main issue has been 'friends' who are bullies - so this is a great resource for showing how some people you may think of as friends are actually bullies in disguise. I would say this is suitable for 8+

Very good and modern for children to understand. Some advise given I do not necesarily agree with and you would need to sit and talk to your child if they are willing to discuss it with you. I think it also depends what state of mind they are in and the perspective of how it is read.

I purchased this book for my 11 year old son who has just started secondary school. He started having a few problems with some close friends and however hard I tried to help with advice I don't think it was sinking in. So I purchased this book, which is written for the child it is easy to read with some cartoon style formats and with examples of situations and the best way to deal with them. I have also tried to read it (my son kept taking the book back!)so I can give the same advice. My son said it is a good book and has definately helped him. I would recommend this book.

I bought this for my 11 year old and he really enjoyed it, and I think it helped. Its written in a language which children can easily relate to, its doesn't talk down to them, it acknowleges the usual advice from 'grown-ups' doens't work and gives proper advice and support.

I had to return this book-- something I almost never do. Usually I just pass them on. But this book is written for a pre-teen or young teen who lives in the UK. It is full of terms and slang that would be a mystery to a US child. It also recommends an action (hitting back if hit in school) that could get you suspended in the US, but is apparently considered acceptable in the UK. Don't buy for a US child!