Synopses & Reviews
Kids learn what bullying is, why it hurts, and what they can do to end it with this fresh, compelling book. With its contemporary collage art, lively layout, and straightforward text,
Good-Bye Bully Machine engages kids and keeps them turning pages.
The unique format of Good-Bye Bully Machine helps kids understand the definition and impact of bullying by comparing it to a mean machineandmdash;the Bully Machine. Kids can see how bullying makes the machine grow more imposing, while kind behaviors dismantle it.
Through the machine, kids gain awareness of their role in bullying, whether they are targets, bullies, bystandersandmdash;or all three. The role of the bystander is especially important. Good-Bye Bully Machine helps kids see the power of the bystander to become an ally, which means learning to show empathy, engage in kind acts, and take a stand against bullying. It's a perfect way to engage reluctant readers and hard-to-reach kids.
Part of the Bully Free Kidsandtrade; line
Review
andquot;Good-Bye Bully Machine will engage a new spectrum of students because of its rarity, boldness, and creativity.andquot; -Sarah Paoletta, K-5 educator, Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MA
Review
andldquo;Why Itandrsquo;s on My Bookshelf: Good-Bye Bully Machine is a recent discovery. I just cannot say enough good things about what it has done on the playground, hallways, cafeteria, and classrooms in my school. Over the years, Iandrsquo;ve used dry and boring bullying curriculums which are now sitting idle on my shelf. Iandrsquo;ve lost students in a flash when Iandrsquo;m just standing at the white board writing the definition of bullying. As a counselor, it means everything to me for students to have better insight to bully behavior. The minute I introduce the metaphor of the andldquo;bully machine,andrdquo; I have a captive group of students. Good-Bye Bully Machine is one of the few books out there that really goes there with students and requires critical thinking. The first time I read this to a fourth-grade class, one of the students went out to recess and reported a problem to an adult stating, andlsquo;I do not want to be part of the bully machine!andrsquo; Love that. So why do kids like this machine plugged in? How can schools unplug it? What makes it grow and become strong? Like I said, the metaphor of the andldquo;bully machineandrdquo; creates higher level thinking and questioning. Those that are participating in bullying behavior have an opportunity to try and understand themselves better. A lot of those students are in personal pain; take the time to explore this with them. Itandrsquo;s such a worthwhile read. The andldquo;bully machineandrdquo; causes a lot of hurt in schools across America. If you are a teacher or a counselor looking for a creative approach to STOP bullying, add this book to your resource shelf. (Be sure to use the leaderandrsquo;s guideandmdash;itandrsquo;s an awesome supplementary resource).andrdquo;andmdash;Books That Heal Kids Blog
Review
andldquo;Of all the books on bullies that I have reviewed or purchased, this one has been a favorite.andrdquo;andmdash;Misfit Momma blog
Review
andldquo;Good-Bye Bully Machine encourages discussion on how to stop this hurtful, degrading behavior. Foxandrsquo;s scrapbook-style illustrations and metaphor to a machine make it easy for students to understand and react to the powerful message. The book encourages higher-order thinking skills and questioning, leaving a meaningful impact on all who read it. Educate your children. Unplug the monster machine!andrdquo;andmdash;Better with a Book blog
About the Author
Debbie Fox is an arts and literacy educator in a Title I elementary school where she has created innovative, award-winning programs for children. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art in Toronto, Canada, Debbie is passionate about giving young people creative opportunities to express themselves. She lives in Florida with her husband and two children.
Allan L. Beane, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized expert on the topic of bullying. He has over 30 years of experience in education that include teaching special and regular education, directing a school safety center, and serving as vice president of a university. Author of the Bully Freeandreg; Program, Allan has trained staff in many schools on bullying prevention and has served as an expert witness in criminal cases involving student mistreatment.