One thing children need to learn is the difference between tattling and getting help. They also need to know when to tell and when not to.

In this story, Joseph's lunch is being stolen by a bully on a regular basis. None of Joseph's friends can or will help him. When the bully threatens him not t tell, Joseph does not know what to do. He eats outside by himself but is not happy about it. He decides to go and talk to the principal, but not tell him the name of the bully. When the principal explains that he is not tattling but telling to get help, Joseph tells him what has been happening. They decide the principal will just happen to walk through the cafeteria and catch Martin in the act.

A great story to use with young children, especially in the lower grades who tend to have issues with this concept. There are suggestions of what to talk to children about in the back of the book.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Joseph had a terrible week at school. A seven grader has been bulling him every day at lunch time. He took Joseph's brownie on Monday, and his sandwich and cookies on Tuesday. He found Joseph hiding in the boy's restroom on Wednesday and took his lunch again. On Thursday Joseph ate his lunch in the schoolyard. He even tried to explain his problem to the yard-duty teacher, but it didn't work. She was too busy solving other problems there. His friends would like to help Joseph, but they are scared too.
Now he is standing at the principal's office door. He knows he must do something to stop being bullied, and Mr. Tate has told the students many times that they could come to him anytime. He finally knocks at the door and tells Mr. Tate the whole story. He is afraid of being in more trouble since he tattled, but Mr. Tate explains to him the difference between tattle and tell, and helps him to fix the situation.

Once again a difficult topic has an excellent approach in this series. The situation is clearly explained, specially how Joseph feels and how difficult could seem to ask for help, but how everything starts moving in the right direction once he shares his problems with someone who can help him. At the end of the book there's a guide for grown ups with tips on how to help kids feeling comfortable asking for help.

I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another great title in this series: The uh-oh feeling. a story about touch.

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