"I had known Elliot since we were in kindergarten, and I had seen a lot of stuff happen to him. I never really joined in, but I never tried to stop it either, not that I could have." (Page 17)

"…everyone knows about feeling alone…If a few people persecute somebody, most of us pretend it isn't happening, right? We don't want to see it." (Pages 85-86)

• Why do you think Russell watched Elliot get bullied for years, but never did anything to help? What causes us to "not see" bullying or to "pretend it isn't happening"?
• Are those who don't get involved partly responsible for bullying even though they are just bystanders?
• What do you think prevents students at your school from standing up for others? What would it take to create an atmosphere of support?

Thursday, January 31, 2008

 

"The new girl stood up. People started whispering. "I am from near Manila. In the Philippines," she said, and sat down. The whispers turned into giggling." (Page 27)

Questions:

How must if have felt for Catalina to be laughed at and whispered about on her first day in a new school?

What motivates people to treat those who are different as outsiders?

What would it take at your school to make those who are new or different feel welcome?

Thursday, January 31, 2008

 

"For some reason, sometimes when you are new or different in some way, people decide to tell lies about you. I don't know why…I'm somebody people have been telling untrue things about." (Page 63)

Discussion:

• People often think of bullying as physical harassment, but telling lies and spreading rumors can also be bullying. What other forms does bullying take? Which are most problematic at your school?
• Do you think one form of bullying is worse than another? What do all types have in common?

 

Thursday, January 31, 2008

 

 

 

David's parents reveal a secret about the operation that makes the Uglies become Pretties.  What shocking news did they reveal to Tally?  Why did the Specials want the Pretties to be different from the Rusties?  On page 285, Tally finally tosses the pendant into the fire?  What does this action symbolize?  Why has she changed her mind?

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

 

 

 

A novel in cartoons  -4 stars"Like I said, I'll be famous one day, but for now I'm stuck in middle school with a bunch of morons."

Greg is tired of being picked on, sick of being considered a loser, and more than ready to impress all the hot girls at his middle school. Told through Greg's diary and hilarious cartoon drawings, you'll get hooked on reading this new series which first began as an online cartoon at funbrain.com. I loved this book! The drawings really added to the story, and Greg will make you laugh out loud.

 

 

 

 

Monday, January 28, 2008