For all kids October 11, 2007 Trudy Ludwig knows kids, knows how they think and act and behave...and knows how to write a book that will help kids learn to get along with each other - especially when getting along sometimes means they must apologize, sincerely, to each other. This is a book for kids that really gets into real life issues they'll have to deal with their whole lives. Would be perfect to use in school and for parental discussions with kids on how to give and accept apologies.
A Great Children's Book about Bullying and Insincere Apologies August 24, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Students listen attentively and seriously to this book. They really get it, and enjoy the tale. Told in the first person, it presents a realistic picture of a bully's accomplice, who finally decides to start doing what's right instead. The illustrations are perfect, right down to the sideways unhappy smile on the bully's face.
Very Impressed...not only covered cheap sorries but also hanging with the wrong crowd (or friend) July 23, 2007 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I was very impressed by this book. I work with children's group therapy and I bought this becuase a lot of the children struggle with what we call "cheap sorries" or false apologies. We have been trying to teach them how to truly appologize when I found this book. The first time I read through it I found that this book not only covers the topic of "cheap sorries" but also illustrates the situation of getting into negative friendships. I recommend this book for any therapy group or family out there with young children.
Excellent for elementary school classes February 3, 2007 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Trudy Ludwig's books are all wonderful supplements to my classroom guidance lessons, especially in grades 3-5. As an elementary school counselor, I love reading books to students which reinforce concepts and skills that have been taught. I found Sorry! to be a perfect story for 3rd graders. It fits well with discussions about how acquaintances of bullies, or "bystanders," can make a positive difference in bullying situations. The message is also very clear that insincere apologies do more harm than good. Kudos to Trudy!
Forced Apologies Teach Force & Not Remorse January 16, 2007 12 out of 12 found this review helpful
Ms. Ludwig is a genius. No two ways about it.
In addition to JUST KIDDING, MY SECRET BULLY and now SORRY, she has shown her insights into the dynamics of bullying and harassing behavior.
Jack, a tween in the early grades feels that his identity is enhanced by being friends with Charlie. An aggressive, biffy sort, Charlie exacts cruelties on others and tosses off a casual "sorry." Many let him skate by with his insincere apologies.
Jack resents this, but does not feel he can challenge Charlie on this. A girl named Leena is the recipient of one of Charlie's more cruel pranks. When he destroys her science project, she tells him in no uncertain terms that she does not buy his insincere apology. Jack, touched by genuine remorse helps Leena rebuild her project.
Their teacher wisely intervenes and explains to Charlie what he has to do to make reparations and amends. Saying "sorry" is simply a formality; one has to be truly remorseful and willing to extend themselves to help the other person in order for it to be meaningful. Charlie sees the consequences of his behavior when Jack jumps his ship and forms an alliance with Leena and the other kids.
I love this book and want to add the following thought - I think it is not a good idea for people to coerce children into apologizing. The lesson that teaches is "appease the adult in question; avoid getting into further trouble by saying what the adult in question wants to hear." I have always resented this; as a child, I hated being forced to apologize and remember consciously thinking, "I'm lying if I apologize, but I'll say it so I don't get punished more." This book explores this; forced apologies teach children to "appease;" "to go along with a system" and is often viewed as an indignity and a price to pay to avoid further repercussions. This book does a good job of uncovering that.
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