This story was very sweet, and I liked it for a few reasons. I thought the illustrations very creative and fit the text nicely. One of my favorite pictures was in the background, it was of a picture of one of her family members in a frame but because he was so short you could only see about half of his face. I think this was a great way for the readers to imagine how short the Bell family is. Also when Kylie Bell was imagining herself, mighty and powerful she was bigger than the other students and the buildings and I think this was a great representation of what she was feeling and how she wanted to imagine herself. I really enjoyed the character development of this story, and how it went from Kylie Bell feeling small and less powerful, to being confident and courageous. I also thought Rusty Jacks’ character developed very well throughout the story. At the beginning he had all of the power being the bully, but then he was unwanted during literary circles. He went from being mean and rude, to a kind boy who was helpful. I think most readers could imagine themselves or others as the characters. Finally I liked language of the story, it was western themed, and used phrases such as “frog legs” and “rattle his tail.” I thought these were humorous and fit with the descriptions of the characters and western influences in the book. The message/big idea of this story shows that sometimes it takes the most courage to do what’s right, just as Kylie Bell did when she invited Rusty Jacks into her literary circle. ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this story because I can strongly relate. Growing up I was short. First, the characters carried a strong message that size does not matter. Kylie Bell was short for her age, but was optimistic and brave in any challenges she faced by either standing up for herself or adjusting to the new situation that benefitted her most positively. When bully-boy Rusty Jacks bothered Kylie, her courage allowed her to stand up for herself. Second, the language that was used allowed the reader to feel confident that Kylie was proud of her height and did not fear any possible threats or challenges she may face ahead. The language was very clear and concise making the reader feel that Kylie could conquer anything by being short. The characters and language together both presented a positive vibe throughout the story and provided encouragement to individuals who may feel out of place because they are shorter than those around them. ( )

This was my first time reading this book, and I enjoyed it for a few different reasons. First, I felt that the illustrations in this book were very not only appropriate but enhanced the story as well. The story described the main character to be very short and the illustrations showed her height in comparison to the other characters, which gave the audience a clear understanding of how short she really was. Additionally, I felt that the book really pushed readers to thing about the common and tough issue of bullying and the importance of being the stronger person. I felt this message was portrayed at the end of the story when he main character shares her favorite book with the bully. Overall, I found this book to be very enjoyable with a strong underlying message about bullying and courage. ( )

This is the second type of picture book I hate. (First type was those mushy I-Love-My-First-Day-At-School books). This is the "Just ignore the bully and eventually you'll be able to help him/her and then you'll be friends." I detest these! I abhor them!

Ok, being objective here.

Plot: Kylie Bell is small - like all her family. And that's always been ok. But in first grade, "it's nigh impossible to see the sky with that new bully-boy Rusty Jacks slithering around like a half-starved rattlesnake." (There's a little western thang going on here). But Kylie Bell uses her brains to outsmart him - and her legs to outrun him when he gets mad. Then comes "literary circles" (guess that's the newest term for circle time). Nobody wants that mean bully in their circle. But Kylie Bell remembers her family motto "brave and smart and big at heart" and invites him in. In the end "that big ol softie Rusty Jacks" turns out to be nice.

The illustrations are a kind of wacky southwestern, with big faces and Rusty Jacks growing and shrinking to intimidate Kylie Bell. The tones are all brown, orange and gold. Kylie Bell is shown as a rather dainty, petite little girl, even when dashing wildly for safety. Rusty Jacks looks like an old-time villain, with his ten-gallon hat and mean face.

Ok, back to my subjective analysis.

Sometimes, I admit, it's true. Lots of kids will poke and tease because they want to be included. Sometimes ignoring or being friendly to a bully works.

Most of the time it does NOT. The whole point of being a bully's victim is usually feeling helpless. In other words, you don't get the opportunity to help them and win their friendship and/or undying gratitude.

And what's the teacher doing while this giant kid is terrorizing a little girl, calling her names and threatening her? And if the other kids like Kylie Bell so much, why don't they stand up for her?

I am sick of "bullies are just lonely and misunderstood and as soon as you do something nice for them they'll become your friends" books.

Verdict: Yech. Read it if you want to experience the nausea for yourself, otherwise give it a miss.

ISBN: 978-1570917059; Published January 2008 by Charlesbridge; Borrowed from the library

K-3. Great to read to students when teaching them about not picking on someone because of their appearance. It is what is on the inside that counts and Kylie Bell is the perfect example of that when facing her bully with compassion and kindness. ( )