ForeWord, May, 2008
"While the message in Trouble Talk is clear to young children, the story is realistic and does not become didactic. A foreword by Charisse L. Nixon, director of research for the Ophelia Project, explains that girls are more vulnerable to this destructive way of connecting to their peers. The author concludes with a brief note on relational aggression, ways to engage children in healthier friendships and empower bystanders of trouble talk, questions for discussion, a list of related organizations and Web sites, and a bibliography. As she notes that researchers are discovering that trouble talk is on the rise and equally or even more harmful than physical bullying, this picture book will prove to be a valuable resource for children, educators, and parents alike."
Book Description
Maya's friend Bailey loves to talk about everything and everyone. At first, Maya thinks Bailey is funny. But when Bailey's talk leads to harmful rumors and hurt feelings, Maya begins to think twice about their friendship. In her fourth book for children, relational aggression expert Trudy Ludwig acquaints readers with the damaging consequences of "trouble talk"--talking to others about someone else's troubles in order to establish connection and gain attention. Includes additional resources for kids, parents, and teachers, as well as advice from Trudy about how to combat trouble talk.
"Words do hurt, which is why this book is of paramount importance!"
--MARY A. BAIRD, President/CEO, The Ophelia Project
"Trudy Ludwig gives educators and parents such wonderfully useful books and TROUBLE TALK is no exception. It teaches children social justice in ways that they can relate to and take with them into their classrooms and neighborhoods."
--ROSALIND WISEMAN, author of Queen Bees and Wannabees
"Everyone knows a Big Mouth Bailey. In Trudy Ludwig's masterfully crafted story the bully is not vilified and the victims aren't vengeful, but clear boundary setters. We empathize with Big Mouth and want her to grow up to be just Bailey, an asset to our workplace, our families, and our communities."
--ANNETTE KLINEFELTER, author of Allies in Action, Building Healthy Relationships Between Girls
