Bling Blaine: Throw Glitter, Not Shade
What’s inside...
A heartwarming picture book about the power of allies to lift others up and the sparkling magic of glitter! Blaine's a boy who loves to shine, or more accurately, he loves to sparkle. Whether it's his uniform, his book bag, or even his baseball cap, Blaine is all about the bling. However, when his bling annoys some people and bullying begins, Blaine, along with the entire school, starts to lose his shine. Can Blaine's friends help to bring back his glimmer and gleam by adding glitter to their own wardrobes? This delightful story illustrates that anyone can love bling, and that happiness comes when allies come together to throw glitter, not shade.
Discussion points
What do you think it means to 'throw glitter, not shade'?
How did Blaine's attitude toward being different help him handle challenges at school?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from others? How did you handle it?
Why is it important to support and stand up for our friends when they feel left out or treated unfairly?
What are some ways you can make your school or community a brighter and more inclusive place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about being different or instances of feeling excluded. Relate these experiences to Blaine’s story to deepen understanding.
Discuss the importance of empathy by exploring how different characters in the book might feel in various situations.
Highlight the value of celebrating individuality and ask your child to list unique qualities about themselves and others.
Use examples from the book to teach your child about respect and kindness towards everyone, regardless of their differences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Inclusivity
Explanation: In 'Bling Blaine: Throw Glitter, Not Shade,' Blaine is not afraid to be himself, wearing glitter and sparkles, which teaches children the importance of self-expression and accepting others as they are.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the differences in others around them, promoting a more inclusive environment at schools and playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book outlines instances where Blaine faces teasing for his unique style but he continues to embrace his identity, showcasing the value of resilience and bravery.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to remain true to themselves and stand up against bullying or peer pressure.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: Blaine’s classmates eventually learn to appreciate his flair and start defending him, which illustrates the power of empathy and changing one's perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by supporting their peers who might feel left out or misunderstood, and advocating kindness over judgment.
Example Lesson: Positive Conflict Resolution
Explanation: The story promotes addressing misunderstandings and conflicts through communication and open-mindedness, rather than resentment or exclusion.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to resolve disputes with words, fostering a supportive dialogue over confrontation.