I've read many books in my life, my life as a parent and that as a teacher. I read books to see how authors see lives being lived by both children and adults. I read professional books about teaching so I can be a better teacher. I work hard to find solutions to challenges.
Lately there seem to be more stories than I am used to that reflect the problems of the bullied and the actions of bullies. There is that recent movie Bully. Companies are producing curriculum to try to solve the problem, schools are attempting to follow certain plans, and still, there are those books, reflecting life as the authors write it, and from their research, know it. Two recent book examples are Wonder, by R.J. Palacio and See You At Harry's by Jo Knowles. It is worrisome that we cannot help others, children and adults, find ways to respect and love each other as individuals.
Here at the end of the school year, I hope that all of us can take time during our breaks to find ways to aid both those who are bullied and those who bully.