Willow Finds a Way

 

Button, Lana, and Tania Howells. Willow Finds a Way. Scholastic, 2013.

Genre: Fiction

Lexile: AD660L

More info: https://www.amazon.com/Willow-Finds-Way-Lana-Button/dp/1554538424/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=Willow+Finds+a+Way&qid=1573235849&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=wear03e-20&linkId=50f873426814a50036b84bc692410756&language=en_US

Summary: In this simple picture book, shy and quiet Willow wants to find a way to say no to her bossy and mean classmate, Kristabell. One day, Kristabell begins uninviting girls in the class to her birthday party and Willow decides to stand up for herself and the rest of the class. Willow surprises herself and everyone else in the class by standing up to Kristabell the bully. Willows actions change the entire environment of the classroom for the better!

Target Audience: K-1st grade.

Evaluation: This is a great book to read to younger grades and begin having conversations about anti-bullying. The words and illustrations in this book might be simple but the theme is strong and conveys a great underlying message of standing up for what is right, even if it can be scary. I think this is an awesome book that will get kids thinking about how important it is to not be a bystander to bullying. This would be a great book to read aloud to younger students and I think they would really enjoy the illustrations.

Reader response activity: I think a great activity after reading this book would be to assign groups to create a poster about anti-bullying. They could include words that could be used when standing up to bully's and they could even draw a picture of Willow standing up to Kristabell.