Converting bullies with books

One reason books are effective is that parents and teachers can use them during conversations to help set expectations for how children should treat others. But there's something more.

Like many other researchers in the field, Limber agrees that literature and music include an emotional component that lectures and workbooks may not. Thus, they can enhance a good antibullying program.

In fact, the poetic, heartfelt lyrics of the country music song "Don't Laugh at Me" inspired the development of a school curriculum bearing the same name.

Peter Yarrow - of Peter, Paul, and Mary fame - was so moved after hearing the song performed at a music festival, that he spearheaded the antibullying project that he now considers his life's work.

The curriculum is offered free on the Internet; more than 50,000 copies have been distributed nationwide. The song, which is also available in book form, illustrates the pain of the isolated, bullied child and remains a core element of the program.

Former schoolteacher and award-winning principal Loucrecia Collins now serves as the project manager responsible for implementing the Don't Laugh at Me curriculum in Birmingham, Ala., area school districts. She speaks poignantly of a first-grader who was severely burned in a house fire that left his face scarred and disfigured. His classmates taunted him mercilessly, until he heard this song.

"Then he boldly stood up and told the other kids not to laugh at him or call him names. It changed the way he viewed himself," says Ms. Collins.

Convinced that literature is one of the most effective ways of teaching tolerance, she has now applied for funding that will enable collections of appropriate books to be placed in several Birmingham elementary schools.

"A book promotes conflict resolution in the everyday life of children. And it's those everyday epiphanies that bring about change in how children build their social relationships."

The Meanest Thing to Say

By Bill Cosby (Scholastic, $3.99)

How words can be used to tease and bully, and how conflict may be resolved without retaliating or losing face.

Chrysanthemum

By Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow Books, $15.95)

Classmates tease a mouse named Chrysanthemum because of her name. Great opportunity to talk about how it feels to be teased.

There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom

By Louis Sachar (Knopf, $4.99)

A fifth-grade bully, with the help of a school counselor, learns to believe in himself and changes his ways. Told from the bully's perspective, it points out the need to respect one another.

Charlotte's Web

By E.B. White (Dell, $6.99)

This classic illustrates the isolating results of bullying behavior and the importance of strength and perseverance. It points out the vital role a friend or mentor can play in someone's life.

Telling Isn't Tattling

By Kathryn Hammerseng (Parenting Press, $5.95)

This book explains the difference between telling and tattling and also provides opportunities to discuss problem-solving techniques.

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