As a mother, any help I can get in protecting my children from bullies is a blessing to me. Susanne Gervay's book, I Am Jack, is a boon to both parents and children. You will also find links to more resources for handling bullies in this interview. Even my fifteen year old daughter found this book useful and recommends it for younger kiddos ages 7-12.

Susanne, what inspired you to write this story?
My son was bullied at school. It was a traumatic time where he was victimized, targeted and afraid. Kids who are normal kids, forgot my Jack was a real person. It started as a joke, that escalated into a cruel game of verbal, emotional and physical bullying with Jack as the target. My Jack was not safe at school. He felt there was no one there to help him. Not me, his family, teachers, school, friends, other kids, community.

Take a look at some books with some of the latest innovative tricks to engage youngsters and inspire them to read.  The following books have sound, music, flaps, pop-ups, lights and fact after fact on the subject they treat.

“Dinosaurs” by John Malam
(c2009, Silver Dolphin Books; ages 9-12) If your kiddo doesn't drool and say, “AWESOME!” when he sees this book, have his head examined. Killer sound effects, pop-ups and flaps to flip over, facts upon facts with realistic illustrations—the interest factor is way up on this one. Little ones, though, might find the cover too scary (the eye lights up red and the dinosaur growls) also the flaps are delicate so this is a book better suited for the older child (ages 9 and up). This is definitely a keepsake for the true-blue dinosaur lover and an outstanding interactive experience for the young, new dinosaur enthusiast.