Books in this category address a wide range of historical and current forms of bigotry, prejudice that is both intentional and systemic and prejudice that is unintentional, but just as hurtful. In some books prejudice is the primary focus of the story; in others it is part of the fabric of the book but not its central theme.
This is whichCatvalue: 6
Book Results for: Size Bias
1.
Alley Oops Janice Levy (Author), C. B. Decker (Illustrator) J.J. Jax has been tormenting an overweight boy, Patrick, who is now afraid to go to school. After Mr. Jax tells J.J. a story about when he acted as a bully and how sorry he feels now, J.J. bikes over to Patrick’s house to talk things over. J.J. is surprised to discover how much he and Patrick have in common. The boys’ shared interests become the conduit for growth, resolution and a budding friendship. [Grade Level: 1 - 4]
2.
Blubber Written by Judy Blume When overweight Linda gives an oral report on whales, the cruel and power-wielding class leader, Wendy, starts calling her "Blubber." The name-calling escalates into more intense bullying and humiliation. The novel's narrator, Jill, is a full participant from the start. Over time, though, she comes to question everyone's behavior, including her own. Finally, she challenges Wendy's power and learns that there are consequences, as well as rewards, to taking a stand. [Grade Level: 4 - 6]
3.
Fat Boy Swim Written by Catherine Forde Jimmy Kelly, an obese middle school student, is savagely bullied by his peers. He keeps his one talent, cooking, secret for fear that community members who enjoy the desserts he donates for charities would be repulsed to learn the identity of the chef. The football coach, known as "GI Joe" for his aggressive manner, teaches Jimmy to swim, and Jimmy comes quickly into his own, shedding pounds, getting fit, becoming a champion swimmer, and developing the confidence to stand up to the bullies and to go after the girl he likes. [Grade Level: 5 - 9]
4.
Pig and the Shrink Written by Pamela Todd Tucker Harrison needs to come up with a winning science fair project in a hurry, so he convinces Angelo "Pig" Pighetti, the heaviest kid in the seventh grade, to participate in a weight-loss experiment. But Angelo, whose family owns a pizza restaurant, gains instead of loses weight. As Tucker watches the warm and loving family work together to make great food, he realizes that Angelo isn't cut out to be anyone's experiment. Tucker begins to look beyond outward appearances and gains a clear sense of Angelo's individuality and worth. [Grade Level: 4 - 8]
5.
Shapesville Andy Mills (Author), Becky Osborn (Author), Erica Neitz (Illustrator) Shapesville is a small town where five friends of various shapes, sizes, colors, and talents discuss their differences and celebrate what makes each of them unique. Through simple, rhyming verse and bold illustrations, these characters show that "it’s not the size of your shape or the shape of your size, but the size of your heart that deserves first prize." [Grade Level: Pre-K - 2]
