TJ Zaps the One-Upper: Stopping One-Upping and Cell Phone Bullying (TJ Trapper, Bully Zapper) (Tj Trapper Bully Zapper, 2)
#2 in Tj Trapper Bully Zapper Series
What’s inside...
TJ's former best friend, Danny, has just returned from London, but TJ finds that he has changed--he is constantly one-upping everybody, and when he uses his cell phone to send an embarrassing picture of TJ to other kids Danny takes it one step too far. Things are looking up for TJ Trapper. Livvy is working hard not to bully and TJ's best friend, Danny, is moving back to town! But when Danny returns, things don't go too well. Danny's not the same as he used to be . . . he's become a one-upper! Auntie Stella tries to help TJ, but her plan backfires. It doesn't even help when Dad offers advice. It isn't until Danny starts cyberbullying with his cell phone that TJ brings out TJ Trapper, Bully Zapper. Will he be able to zap the one-upper? Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Calico is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.
Character compass
Tj Trapper
Danny
Discussion points
How did TJ's actions make you feel, and what would you have done in his place?
Can you think of a time when someone tried to one-up you or a friend? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think people might feel the need to one-up others?
What are some ways you can respond if you notice someone is being bullied, like with a cell phone?
How important is it to talk to an adult if you or someone else is being bullied?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by summarizing the book together, ensuring your child grasps the key themes. Share your personal experiences related to the theme of one-upping or bullying to build a trusted environment. Encourage empathetic thinking by asking how they would feel in the characters' situations. Reinforce the importance of communication, both in friendships and when dealing with conflicts. Lastly, praise your child for sharing their thoughts and feelings about difficult subjects like bullying.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: TJ learns to understand the feelings of others and why it's important to consider them before speaking or acting.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by thinking about how their words or actions might affect others, promoting a more compassionate interaction with peers.
Example Lesson: The Impact of Bullying
Explanation: The book explores the consequences of cell phone bullying, highlighting how it affects the victim.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the seriousness of bullying and encourage them to speak up if they or someone else is being bullied.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: TJ tackles the issue of bullying by coming up with creative solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically and solve problems they encounter in school or with friends in a constructive manner.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: TJ faces challenges but learns to overcome them without resorting to negativity or defeat.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children learn to cope with setbacks and persist despite difficulties, building their resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Seeking Help
Explanation: Throughout the story, TJ seeks advice and help from trusted adults when dealing with the bully.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to understand that it’s acceptable and advisable to seek help from adults during troubling situations.