From School Library Journal
Gr 3-6–In a fictional scrapbook, a self-confessed former bully recounts both her own actions as a perpetrator and the steps she took to rectify her behavior. Under the guise of giving an insider's look, Katie provides information about why bullies do what they do and some possible steps that targets and bystanders can take to stand up to them. Meant to offer advice, the insights occasionally feel too adult to be truly accessible to kids, but the language and casual writing style are age appropriate. Despite the moments when Katie's transformation seems too pat and convenient to be believable, the advice is sound and there are specific examples that will be helpful, even if older readers may feel as though they've heard it all before. Jotted notes, doodles, and related quotes are peppered throughout, adding to the scrapbook format. The illustrations are a mix of collage and drawings; they are fun but not particularly noteworthy. Further reading for children and adults, as well as the websites listed at the end of the book, are useful resources.Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA
© Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
Review, Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2010:
"This fictional cure will resonate with its intended audience."
Review, Book Faerie.com, August 9, 2010:
"This book is written for children ages 7-11, but the life skills are applicable to all. Help your child learn about bullying and how to protect themselves from it by sharing this book with them."
Review, Booklist, September 1, 2010:
“…many children looking for practical advice on bullying will find this journal more thought-provoking, practical, and readable than many nonfiction books on the subject.”
Review, School Library Journal:
"…the language and casual writing style are age appropriate…The advice is sound and there are specific examples that will be helpful….Further reading for children and adults, as well as the websites listed at the end of the book, are useful resources."
Review, Publishers Weekly:
“Ludwig packs a lot of expertise and teachable moments into these pages.”
Review, Children’s Book Review:
“After five books, Ludwig has become much beloved by kids, parents and teachers. [Confessions of a Former Bully] is chock-full of helpful information, charts, ‘Quick Facts,’ reflections and revelations. This book will be a sought after resource in both the home and the school library.”
Review, Midwest Book Review:
"An absolute ‘must-have’ for elementary, middle school, and public library collections.”
Review, The Children's Book Review:
"Confessions of a Former Bully teaches us how to disarm the bully by taking the power and the fun out of bullying. Best of all the reformed bully is not vilified but respected for her courage to change....a sought after resource in both the home and the school"
"This book should be required reading for children and their parents!" —Patti Kelley Criswell, author of American Girl's Stand Up for Yourself & Your Friends and Friends: Making Them & Keeping Them
"Confessions of a Former Bully is unmatched in providing effective tools for girls and boys in every social role, whether they are instigators, targets, or bystanders." —Melissa Norman, founder & executive director of GirlCHARGE, Inc.
"Confessions of a Former Bully brings us into the mind and heart of a girl who bullies and shows us that change is possible." —Stan Davis, author of Empowering Bystanders and Schools Where Everyone Belongs
"Confessions of a Former Bully is a valuable resource for both the home and the classroom." —Sandra McLeod Humphrey, retired clinical psychologist, character education expert & children's author
From the Hardcover edition. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
TRUDY LUDWIG, author of six books for children, has been profiled on national television, radio, and newsprint. An active member of the International Bullying Prevention Association, she is a sought after speaker who collaborates frequently with organizations like The Ophelia Project, Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project, and Putting Family First. Trudy's books have received the Mom's Choice Gold Award, the Cooperative Children's Book Center's "Best of the Best of the Year" award, and have been recognized as NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Books for Young People. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
Trudy is available for select readings and lectures. To inquire about a possible appearance, please contact the Random House Speakers Bureau.
BETH ADAMS' illustrations have appeared in commercials, on book covers, and in magazines. She lives in Lakeville, Connecticut.
From the Hardcover edition. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
MY VERY IMPORTANT BOOK
ABOUT BULLYING
by Katie
P-S-S-S-T!
I'm going to tell you what you need to know about bullying. I've even included stuff that kids who bully DON'T want you to find out. And believe me, I know what I'm talking about since I used to be one.
I stopped bullying with the help of our school counselor, Mrs. Petrowski. She must have spent a gazillion hours studying bullying because she knows so much about it. I never thought what I did to my friend Monica—giving her the silent treatment, telling her who she could be friends with, and not including her in games at recess—was bullying.
I was suprised to find out that it actually was.
One of the first things I learned was that bullying hurts everyone, even the kids who are bullying! That got me thinking: What's the point of doing something that ends up hurting ME in the end?
From the Hardcover edition. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Ten-year-old Katie finds herself where no child wants to be, in the principal’s office with both her parents. Caught bullying a friend on the school playground, she must meet with the school counselor once a week and figure out how to atone for her actions. As Katie learns more about herself and her options, she keeps a diary-like notebook of reflections and advice as well as facts about physical, emotional, and cyberbullying; why people bully others; and what tools kids can use when they experience or witness bullying. In a style similar to Marissa Moss’ Amelia’s Notebook series, Katie’s notebook features childlike drawings, and cartoons with digital-collage elements combine with boxed facts and quotes to brighten the pages. Although the story may be a vehicle for information, the many children looking for advice on bullying will find this journal more thought-provoking, practical, and readable than many nonfiction books on the subject. Grades 3-5. --Carolyn Phelan --This text refers to the hardcover edition. 
![Confessions of a Former Bully by [Trudy Ludwig, Beth Adams]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ohEukwGrL._SX260_.jpg)
