Blog Archives
No Cyberbullies
No Cyberbullies is a tremendously informative book for parents, educators, and adults who care about children’s well-being. The author, at length, writes about child bullying, discussing issues like the types of bullying, conditions that lead to bullying, and aspects like culture, religion, social conditioning, and appearance, among other central topics. In his book, author Brian Parkin brings to light the menace of bullying and gives a practical guide on handling bullied kids and their bullies.
One key point in this book is that we need more awareness about bullying to not just children but adults responsible for their care. Not every child that bullies others does it because they enjoy it; instead, it is a way of dealing with past or current traumas. The author does not in any way condone bullying, nor does he side with the vice. Instead, Brian Parkin educates and encourages parents, teachers, and guardians to investigate the root source of the problem.
How does bullying start? Even before writing about what makes bullies get into that behavior, the author started the book by writing about the history of bullying. He writes about how bullying has existed for centuries and how bullied children have endured the issue. The author mentioned the book Tom Brown’s Schooldays by Thomas Hughes as a good reference material with examples of school bullying, a book everyone should read.
This book is short, but the knowledge is immense. One of my favorite chapters is chapter 15. Parkin has notes to help you with what to do about cyberbullying in school. The author has well-written notes for victims of cyberbullying, the parents, school teachers, headmasters or principals, and cyber bullies themselves. Every message is well-packaged, and the text is concise and easy to follow. Chapter 16 was another great chapter, as the author brought a legal angle. There is plenty of advice on one’s legal rights if they are being bullied, and the author used simple language to cater to readers of all levels. Chapter 16 will be helpful to victims and their families as not many people are aware that one can take a legal approach when it comes to bullying.
No Cyberbullies is an eye-opening book that I recommend to all readers. Everyone needs to lend a hand to put a stop to this behavior. The anonymous effect of bullies online is a problem that needs to be dealt with, and this is why lawmakers should be among the first to stop cyberbullying witnessed in various parts of the world. This book can be a great starting point for policymakers and enforcers.
Pages: 90 | ASIN : B00I9FKOZE
Why Don’t They Cry?
Why Don’t They Cry?: Understanding Your Living Child’s Grief by Zander Sprague (LPCC) is a book dedicated to parents who have lost a child, especially during childhood or early adulthood. Zander begins the book by piquing the readers’ interest with thought-provoking and interesting ideas about siblings. The relationships we have with them are often the longest-lasting relationships in life, but what happens if we lose a sibling at a young age?
Zander lost his older sister early in life and later dedicated his life to becoming a counselor helping people who have lost siblings. These individuals are often referred to as sibling survivors but are often the forgotten mourners years later while their grief continues to impact their lives. The survivors’ grief is often overshadowed by the anguish of their parents’ experience of losing a child. Siblings became the secondary mourners by default, which can bring about unique challenges, including how parents communicate with their surviving children, the healing process, and the side effects of loss, including divorce, marital stress, and family difficulties.
The book is written in a professional but compassionate tone. However, that does not take away from the emotions and stories shared in a beautiful, sensitive manner. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of love, sadness, grief, and reflection. I was impressed with the style of this book and how the author created a helpful guide for sibling survivors and recognized their pain, which is touching and important. It only took a few pages before I felt the full emotional impact of the book and the power of sibling bonds explained so well. I was deeply moved and left thinking about the process of grief and the complex journey of loss.
Why Don’t They Cry?: Understanding Your Living Child’s Grief by Zander Sprague (LPCC) is an excellent read for parents grieving the loss of a child. It’s a great book I recommend to professional child caregivers, counselors, psychologists, and teachers. It’s an essential read for anyone looking to support children or young adults through this harrowing loss. I can’t recommend this book enough!
ASIN B0BSC6B72C | Pages: 80
Corpse Beneath The Crocus
Corpse Beneath The Crocus by N.N. Nelson is a collection of poetry written about everyday moments of life, portraying what it means to be human. This provocative book beautifully depicts feelings of rage, loneliness, and anxiety while at the same time illustrating quiet mornings, the depths of love, and the power of silence. In writing about a wide variety of things, N.N. Nelson paints beautiful pictures with words and sheds light on moments and feelings, so many people are afraid to speak aloud.
This emotional collection contains raw and vulnerable narratives of happiness, heartbreak, anger, wonder, curiosity, lament, and regret. Numerous times, N.N. Nelson depicts being present in the present– recounting details of intimacy and transparency. Corpse Beneath The Crocus is a fantastic book for people looking to get in touch with their inner selves and process their deepest emotions. This collection of poetry will cause the reader to dive into memories and experiences of their own life while relating to the stories and narratives of N.N. Nelson. By going deep into their innermost thoughts and feelings, the author gives the reader a glimpse into moments and memories the readers themselves may have also experienced in a lifetime.
Corpse Beneath The Crocus will captivate anyone who is a deep thinker, empath, or introvert. I believe this book would be a great resource for people going through difficult times to find someone to sympathize with and relate to. Readers will find this is a great addition to their poetry collection and depicts moments of everyday life with simplicity, imagery, and poise. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. Genuine and eloquently written, this book will be a joy to whoever picks it up off the shelf.
Pages: 122 | ISBN : 1639887385
Cassie’s Big Change: Going from the Living Room to the Classroom
Cassie is finally getting to return to her school building after learning from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. She did not love going to school in her living room on a laptop. She missed her friends and teachers. Now that there is a vaccine, she can return to her school and be with her class in person again.
Cassie’s Big Change: Going from the Living Room to the Classroom is more than a story about returning to school. Author Tamera Foley uses this children’s story to validate the feelings many young children have had during the pandemic and the emotional struggles they felt. She uses Cassie’s writing assignment to show children different ways to express themselves and let others know how they feel. It shows children that the adults at school and home care about how they are feeling and that what they feel is important and real. I loved the part where the children were sharing their feelings on the playground, and they were not superficial remarks like you might expect in a kid’s book. Instead, they show just how aware children are of the world around them and the impact that things like COVID-19 have had on their world.
The childrens book Cassie’s Big Change: Going from the Living Room to the Classroom is beautifully written and shares ways that children can express their emotions in a positive and safe manner, be it through clay models, writing a story, or talking one on one with a teacher or parent. Tamera Foley shows kids that they have a voice and that their feelings are important. This is a wonderful children’s book that any elementary classroom would benefit from having.
Pages: 44 | ASIN : B099B13X7T
Journey On!
Journey On! The Evolution of Thought by Caycee Johnson and Keith L. Johnson is an inspirational book full of wisdom. The authors take the reader through topics such as joy, encouragement, optimism, and peace. They share their thoughts on these key subjects by sharing their point of view, quotes from well-known personalities, and bible verses.
Each chapter of this well-written book is short, and the language is simple to comprehend, without many complex terminologies, enabling the reader to quickly grasp the essence of each section. Moreover, due to how the book is written, the reader could read the whole book in a short space or use the book as a devotional: choosing to reflect on a different topic each day.
The authors’ take on the subject of contentment is based on the foundation that tomorrow is not promised. The authors examine how we could all use this sentiment to be more content in life. Interestingly, the book also tackles the topic of a person’s inner circle. This section contained wise words from the author as well as included a prayer that the reader can pray for their family, allowing them to further reflect on their family members and their inner circle as a whole. The devotional book contains several prayers in other sections, which helps their reader become wiser and think about how these topics affect their heart too.
Each chapter in the book is full of encouragement and reminds me of how I felt when I read the book of Proverbs. Journey On! is thought-provoking but not a deep dive into a theological study. However, it does have critical reminders and thoughts that the reader can quickly reflect upon, and the book is ideal for anyone who wants to move forward in their life with more wisdom.
Pages: 118 | ASIN : B07X4DBKVT
Stenetta Anthony Author Interview
Ella Learns to Dance follows a young elephant girl who dreams of being a ballet dancer even when others discourage her. What was the inspiration for your story?
After hearing a story about a professional ballet dancer and her challenges. She was told she did not have the proper body image to be a ballerina.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Some of the ideas suggested in the book are: (always be proud of yourself, teach them to deal with frustrations when learning a new skill and how some children can relate to Ella’s story when friends do not always support their dream).
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters life?
One memory comes from learning modern dance in high school. Since I never considered myself as a graceful dancer. It was often difficult to learn the dance moves, sometimes not wanting to attend the class.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Ella Learns to Dance is the first book in her series, so I am currently working on the 2nd and 3rd books respectively.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Freeman Explains!
The title of this fascinating book instantly grabs readers, Freeman Explains: The Things That Can Change, That Should Change. This is because the content in the book is literally what the title states. The author Dr. Michael J. Freeman is direct and gives readers exactly what the title promises. This book summarizes what happens in society and what is wrong with people’s approach regarding pertinent issues. Freeman is intentional and weighs on issues before offering a solution. The author examines the problem, digs down to the root, and analyzes every aspect of the issue before giving his final take.
There are multiple issues discussed in the book, but there is one particular topic that I am grateful for the most; Kids and pornography. This is a sensitive subject to some and is even outlawed in certain cultures. In Freeman’s book, however, the reader is given a clear perspective on the harm pornography causes to young minds. Freeman writes about the harm of pornography and how the internet, despite making life easier, is causing tremendous damage as anyone can access whichever content they please. The author hopes that internet pornography can be regulated. He even offers strategic solutions to this problem, giving rational answers to anyone with questions.
Other than pornography, Freeman also tackles more than a dozen other topics. Like the title suggests, Freeman explains things you need to know as a human being and a citizen of the world. Contemporary issues need modern solutions, and the author is here to do just that, offer sensible and logical solutions. I also enjoyed reading about drug problems, healthcare, politics and policymaking, medicine, religion, marriage, sex, education, voting rights, and civic education. Readers will get a discussion on almost all topics law-makers debate about.
What I like most about the author is his passion for children and young people. One can see the genuine concern he has through his text. He will share with you why children need to be protected and how every responsible adult can do it. Two of my favorite texts in the book are ‘Without perspective, you know nothing’ and ‘you don’t know what you don’t know.’ Both phases are in reference to children or young minds. On issues like pornography, children may not be able to know what is good for them and what is not because they are yet to see or experience what adults already have. Simply put, they lack perspective and thus don’t know anything.
Dr. Michael J. Freeman and his work are the true definition of ‘with age comes wisdom.’ The author, having experienced an eventful life, understands what ails society and knows what should be encouraged. Reading his thoughts was refreshing, as one can tell that the author is not influenced by modern trends. Freeman openly shared his takes and explained in detail his views. This thought-provoking book is perfect for those interested in how the modern world is shaping children and their futures.
Pages: 213 | ASIN : B0BLXW5PMH
Thought is Not the Boss of Me!
Our minds are very powerful things. It allows us to do many things, such as dancing, sports, and learning new skills. They can, even without us knowing, control our entire bodies to stay alive. Our minds can also get lost in thought, and thought can sometimes cause mischief.
In, Thought is Not the Boss of Me! by Sheila Booth-Alberstadt and Sarah Lamb, we are introduced to Lincoln. A young child who tends to get into some trouble without realizing he is being coerced into doing so by none other than ‘Thought.’ ‘Thought’ bosses Lincoln around and makes him do not nice things, and ends up being punished.
This relatable story is beaming with delight, from the vibrantly adorable illustrations by Elizabeth George to the comical and inviting writing. This picture book was such a clever way of showing young kids how thoughts and the mind work and how to overcome the negative thoughts that come along with them. I love how Lincoln is presented as innocent during the entire ordeal but makes a conscious decision to stop listening to ‘Thought.’ Once Lincoln realizes ‘Thought’ only gets him into trouble, he starts thinking as well as acting on his own account. What an extremely difficult thing it is to do, to master one’s thoughts, as a growing child.
Thought is Not the Boss of Me! is an extraordinary children’s book about recognizing and dealing with big emotions. This well-written story helps children realize that big feelings are normal and that they can learn how to manage them. I Would absolutely recommend it to any family or young reader, as the message is valuable to people of all ages. It would make a great addition to a school library or classroom.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09LFLLS9N
LITERARY TITAN 