Reading Metrics
Description
The book follows D.J., a young boy who experiences emotional bullying from his friend Vince, who constantly teases him and then dismisses it by saying "Just kidding." D.J. fears that standing up for himself will make him seem unable to take a joke. With support from his father, older brother, and teacher, D.J. learns strategies to handle the situation and takes positive action. The story addresses the topic of emotional bullying and how seemingly harmless phrases can be used to justify hurtful behavior.
Quick Summary
D.J. discovers that standing up to a bully who hides behind "just kidding" feels incredibly powerful and relatable for young readers dealing with playground teasing. The story tackles real kid problems with humor and heart, showing how D.J. gathers his support team of dad, brother, and teacher to outsmart the class clown who doesn't know when to stop. If your kid likes "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio, they'll love this shorter, kid-sized tale about kindness trumping cruelty. Perfect for kids ages 5-7 in kindergarten through second grade who are learning to navigate friendships and stand up for themselves.