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Book: Speak Up Susan - An Everyday Hero by Sabinah Oroge

categories: Book, Facts of Life, Growing Up, School Life, Bullies, Friendship, Social Skills, Children's Book

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Sabinah Oroge

about this book: The story is about a young girl who heard a gang of bullies in her school planning to harm a fellow student. She was greatly disturbed about this information but was also afraid she might be harmed if the bullies found out she had reported them to the school authorities. While in this dilemma, she was encouraged to do the right thing by another student. Eventually, the bullies were apprehended and she had an award for her act of bravery.

Readers will take away from this book, the importance of true friendship as depicted by Daniel who encouraged Susan to do the right thing. The need to exhibit courage in the face of all odds is another lesson to learn from the book. It is also important for children to relate well with their teachers and have trust that they are free to talk and confide in them in resolving issues that are of concern to them.

The importance of passing down the right values and developing the right skills in children at a very tender age motivated the writing of this book. Such virtues and skills will come in handy and refine the social competence of children whenever the need arises not only in school but also in their social lives.

The primary readers of this book are children aged 8-12 years who are still being nurtured and moulded for a bright future devoid of antisocial behaviours. The book is also an interesting read for adults.

The title was arrived at based on the story line of the book. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, "Knowing what's right doesn't mean much unless you do what's right."

The hardest part of the book was looking for a way Susan will make a report to the school authorities without compromising her personal safety and trusting that the school will protect her and others from the bullies who are out to make life miserable for other students.

Writing this book has shown that any subject can be put across to young children in the most simple way and still convey the essence of the subject matter. In this particular instance, it's about bullies in schools.

This book is a must read both for children and adults. It brings to the fore the hazards inherent when children gang up to bully other children and the need for those in position of authority to nip such behaviours in the bud before they impact negatively on the school environment. It's a must read!