TJ Zaps the New Kid: Stopping a Social Bully (TJ Trapper, Bully Zapper) (Tj Trapper Bully Zapper, 1)
#1 in Tj Trapper Bully Zapper Series
What’s inside...
Livvy, the new girl at school, is a bully who ridicules the other children, and it is up to TJ and his guidance counselor father to work out a strategy that will improve her behavior--and save TJ's birthday party. TJ Trapper is just an ordinary fourth grader until the new girl, Livvy Armstrong, joins the class. Then trouble starts! Livvy is a bully. She calls kids names, starts rumors, and tries to talk kids out of going to TJ's birthday party. TJ doesn't know what to do, but he knows he doesn't like being bullied. Once he talks to his dad and Auntie Stella, TJ gets some tips on how to stop a bully. He learns about reporting and being an upstander. Soon, TJ is more than just an ordinary kid--he's TJ Trapper, Bully Zapper. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Calico is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.
Discussion points
How did TJ feel when he met the new kid? Have you ever felt the same way when meeting someone new?
What are some ways TJ tries to stop the bully? Which way do you think was most effective and why?
Why is it important to stand up to bullies? What can you do if you see someone being bullied?
How did TJ’s actions change the situation with the new kid? What would you have done if you were in TJ’s place?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel better? How did that make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Active listening is crucial. Show genuine interest in your child's responses to encourage deeper thought and reflection on the book’s themes.
Relate the book to personal experiences. Share your own stories about dealing with bullies or new challenges, which can help your child connect with the book on a personal level.
Discuss the consequences of actions. Talk about what might happen if characters in the book chose different actions, encouraging critical thinking about cause and effect.
Praise empathetic responses. Recognize and affirm your child's understanding and empathy toward the characters to reinforce these important values.
End with action. Encourage your child to think about how they can apply the lessons from the book in their own life. Ask them to consider what they could do if they face similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: In the story, TJ learns to understand and feel the emotions of the new kid who is being bullied, which motivates him to take action.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize when their peers are upset or troubled, and responding with kindness and support, fostering a caring community.
Example Lesson: Importance of standing up against bullying
Explanation: The book showcases TJ's courage as he stands up to the bully to protect the new kid, demonstrating the significance of confronting harmful behaviors.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to speak out against bullying when they witness it, whether at school or in other social settings, promoting a safer environment for everyone.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: TJ devises a clever plan to stop the bully without resorting to violence, highlighting the value of using intelligence and creativity to resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to think critically and come up with peaceful solutions to their own conflicts, whether they involve bullying or other disagreements.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: By the end of the book, TJ collaborates with his peers to address the bullying issue, illustrating that working together can achieve greater results.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to collaborate with others to tackle challenges, understanding that collective efforts often lead to success.