Just Kidding

A rare look at emotional bullying among boys from the best-selling author of My Secret Bully. D.J.'s friend Vince has a habit of teasing D.J. and then saying, Just kidding!" as if it will make everything okay. It doesn't, but D.J. is afraid that if he protests, his friends will think he can't take a joke. With the help of his father, brother, and an understanding teacher, D.J. progresses from feeling helpless to taking positive action, undermining the power of two seemingly harmless words. Trudy Ludwig takes another look at relational aggression, the use of relationships to manipulate and hurt others, this time from the boy's point of view. A must-have for Spanish language and character education libraries! Back matter includes discussion questions, a "dos and don'ts of teasing" list, and a resource guide for parents and teachers. Endorsed by Full Esteem Ahead, The Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project, and The Ophelia Project.

TRUDY LUDWIG, a children's advocate based in Portland, Oregon, travels around the country educating students, teachers, and parents about relational aggression and bullying.


ADAM GUSTAVSON is an illustrator who lives in West Orange, New Jersey, with his family. This is his second book with Tricycle Press.