Say Something

CLASSROOM GUIDE

Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People —NCSS/CBC

Bank Street College Best Book of the Year

Teacher’s Choice, International Reading Association

80,000 copies sold

In SAY SOMETHING, by Peggy Moss, there are some children who push and tease and bully at the local school. Sometimes they hurt other kids by just ignoring them. The girl in this story sees it happening, but she would never do these mean things herself. Then one day something happens that shows her that being a silent bystander isn’t enough. Will she take some steps on her own to help another kid? Bright, fluid, realistic watercolors illustrate the story, set in a school with lots of diversity. Resources at the end of the book will help parents and children talk about teasing and bullying and find ways to stop it at school. One child at a time can help change a school.

Anti-Bullying Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLWIJapLTUGKZXAO-8Co3oCofRqChOF0vu&v=S6K7hniqnYQ
Peggy Moss prosecuted civil rights cases as an assistant attorney general in Maine. She now lives in Toronto and provides workshops and presentations throughout North America on teasing and hate violence prevention to parents, educators, and kids. Peggy is co-author, with Dee Dee Tardif, of the award-winning book, Our Friendship Rules, and is the author of a third award-winning book, One of Us.Lea Lyon is an award-winning children’s book illustrator, painting teacher, and portrait artist who has made a childhood dream come true.

Lea loved to draw and paint as a child, and she wanted to be a children’s book illustrator. She ended up raising a family, going back to school for an MBA, and working in the corporate world, but she kept painting. Now, at long last, Lea is a children’s book illustrator with five published picture books: Say Something, Playing War, Keep Your Ear on the Ball (all with Tilbury), The Miracle Jar, and Operation Marriage. She lives in Richmond, California
“This story takes an interesting slant on an important topic. A young narrator describes different examples of bullying that she witnesses at school and on the bus, but remains silent. One day, when her friends are absent, she must sit alone in the cafeteria, and several students make jokes at her expense. In addition to feeling angry about being treated this way, the girl is frustrated with the other kids who look on sympathetically but say nothing. She is then able to empathize with other victims. The next day, she approaches a quiet girl who is often teased and finds a new friend. As well as demonstrating different examples of bullying, the author gradually but clearly illustrates that being a silent bystander contributes to the problem. Points are made quickly and simply, and the narrative has a natural flow that immediately draws readers in. Back pages include topics for discussion, practical and proactive advice for kids who are being targeted, and some good Web sites. The realistic watercolor illustrations depict busy school life and represent a diverse population. Emotions are portrayed beautifully through facial expression and body language. Suitable for independent reading or for sharing aloud, this book can be used in a classroom environment to set the stage for important dialogue about this universal and ageless issue.” –Corrina Austin, Locke’s Public School, From School Library Journal: Kindergarten-Grade 5