Schwartz, Heather E. Cyberbullying.

Schwartz, Heather E.    Cyberbullying.  Capstone 2013  32p  ISBN 978-1-4296-9944-0  series: Tech Safety Smarts   elem      Hardback    VG-BNS  Nonfiction     

Heather Schwartz deserves praise for the organization, anecdotal information, charts and tactful handling of the content.  She takes a subject that is complex, breaks it down for young children, and presents the topic using repetitive, easy-to-understand text.  She begins with a definition and a chart to help the reader decide if he or she has ever been a cyberbully.  Chapter 2 discusses the reasons cyberbullies threaten or hurt others, the effects on victims and the consequences that ensue if one is caught.  Chapter 3 describes ways to avoid expressing one’s anger online and offers suggestions that will help the potential cyberbully diffuse anger.  The final chapter is all about taking control of the situation, finding a trusted adult in whom to confide, or reporting cyberbullying to website monitors.  Helpful advice is displayed in colorful text boxes.  Children who witness cyberbullying but are not themselves victims are advised to help.  For children taking beginning technology courses, there is a variety of helpful additions, including vocabulary words defined in the text, topics for discussion, Internet sites, resources to consult and a glossary.  The color choices and layout support this useful guide to cyberbullying.

The series Tech Safety Smarts is a new series that presents books on cell phone safety, gaming safety, social networking and cyberbullying.  Each book defines the topic and employs graphic organizers, fact boxes and quizzes in a colorful, well-organized layout. Technology teachers in elementary schools will enjoy an exciting first week with this book and should stock a copy for their students to study.  Elementary-school libraries will want to stock the entire series.     

Summary: Children learn the definition of cyberbullying, how to prevent it, how to stop themselves from becoming cyberbullies and how to help others who are victims.

Cyberbullying                                               --Martha Squaresky

Hunter, Nick. Cyber Bullying.

Hunter, Nick.  Cyber Bullying.  Capstone Publishers, 2012.  56p.  $33.50

ISBN 978-1-4329-4869-6  ms/hs (Grades 5-12).  VG-BN        

     This book discusses the meaning of cyber-bullying: who does it, how to stop it, and the forms it takes. It is colorfully illustrated and is sure to draw in readers and researchers.  The prevalence of cyber-bullying makes this book a must for middle- and high-school libraries. Examples of cyber-bullying ring true, as do the tips on how to stop attacks. The illustration captions tend to show suburban teenagers, while cyber-bullying is a problem regardless of locale. The thought bubbles and boxed information make this an easy book to browse. The list of websites with more information makes this a great self-help book.  The cyber-bullying "quick tips" pages do an excellent job of summarizing the entire book, listing the technologies involved (including cell phone, email, and gaming sites) and the types of cyber-bullying associated with each, as well as prevention tips and solutions. The only caveat is that the charts that cite surveys are not referenced for date or source.

     The series is Hot Topics, and it contains ten new books on today’s societal problems and concerns. Each book is colorfully illustrated, with well-written text and an attractive layout. Personal stories, as well as statistical and scientific evidence, make this a first choice for libraries.     

Subject: Cyberbullying 

Lois McNicol

 

Friedman, Lauri S. Cyberbullying

Friedman, Lauri S.     Cyberbullying           

Cengage (Gale,Lucent,Kidhaven/Blackbirch

2011   114p               978-0-7377-5117-8           

ms/hs             Introducing Issues w/Opposing Viewpoints(Gale)         VG-BNS          

Utilizing expert opinions on both sides of the subject, this volume examines cyberbullying, and provides young readers with opportunities to express their own opinions.

This highly acclaimed series

tackles a difficult subject, that of cyberbullying, a growing concern in 21st

century society.  Using the tried and true Opposing Viewpoints format of

presenting conflicting opinions in companion articles, this series goes further,

by Evaluating Author╒s Arguments boxes at the end of each article.  Each of

these boxes contains thought-provoking questions and activities that will

further the readers╒ knowledge of the subject and help them to form informed

opinions of their own.  

The excellent choice of pro/con articles, inserted fact boxes and Evaluating

Author╒s Arguments activities, are pertinent charts and graphs, statistical

information, and include some first hand accounts.  Supplemental information

includes facts about cyberbullying, organizations to contact, bibliographical

references and an extensive index.  This is a very valuable addition to any

middle and high school social issues collection.

            This book is part of the Introducing Issues with Opposing Viewpoints

series.  The series consists of 112 books at this time.  The focus of the series

is to present opinions in a pro/con format, to promote issue awareness as well

as critical thinking.    Naismith, Pat