Blubber is a book that I can totally understand and relate to on many levels. It is understandable why some people would want to challenge it due to the content of bullying, name-calling, and dishonesty, but these issues are something that is very real in the world today, unfortunately. The story's main character really learns a lesson about how to treat someone when she becomes the target in the classroom instead of one of the people picking on the target, which is the role she was used to playing. If more kids read this book, maybe a lesson could be learned about how it feels on both ends of trhe sprectrum. Each year, I see 6th graders play these games with one another, especially the girls, where there is a ringleader and those that follow blindly without making their own decisions between right and wrong. With the change in technology and the introduction of cyber-bullying, parents and teachers have to be even more aware of the unfortunate opportunies for kids to lead one another astray. This tale, while dated, teaches some good lessons. While I was reading it, I fully expected there to be a more negative outcome simply because I have seen many of the negative things that can happen from bullying. The lesson may be simple and timeless, but it is even more important now than ever before.
Blume, J. (1974). Blubber . Scarsdale, N.Y.: Bradbury Press.
No comments:
Post a Comment