Book Review
On the Playground: Our First Talk About Prejudice (The World Around Us Series)
Written by Dr. Jillian Roberts
Illustrated by Jane Heinrichs
Published February 19, 2019
Mom's Comments:
On the Playground is very gentle in its treatment of harassment and prejudice. The narrator strikes a tone that makes it clear that these are wrong, but that there may be an understandable (though wrong) reason behind them. Likely, these are learned behaviors that the perpetrators have never even considered to be bad. Children are encouraged to learn about differences and reflect on prejudices of their own. People are given the benefit of the doubt, but the author explicitly states, "Let's be clear: It is always wrong to intentionally hurt someone." The message is clear, but without attacking the wrongdoers, which I think is a healthy way to handle this without perpetuating hate and anger and prejudice. After reading, children will understand what prejudice is, why people may have prejudices, that prejudice and harassment are not okay, and how to respond when one is confronted with harassment/bullying.
Sidebars are present on almost every page. They include anecdotal evidence explaining the effect of bullying (track star Sophie Kamlish was a victim), how bystanders can support victims (Pink Shirt Day is one example), and what different terms mean (inclusivity, types of prejudice). Photographs of children appear alongside illustrations. The overall effect is one of reassurance that although prejudice and bullying/harassment exist, we can combat them. I especially like the specific examples of how readers can respond to harassment. Back matter includes more resources for caregivers.
I did not read everything in On the Playground with T. Some of it was pertinent to him, some was not. Before this school started this year, T mentioned apprehension about some kids who were not always nice last year. He expressed concern about being called names that he didn't like. Although we talked with him about to how he can address the situation, I thought On the Playground could be a useful tool. Sometimes, seeing characters in book makes the difference – it's not just Mom and Dad telling you what to do; people in books set examples to follow. Two other books from this series, also written by child psychologist Dr. Roberts, have been helpful resources for us. T had been asking about the different people we see on street corners with signs, and On Our Street helped me answer his questions. T also has overheard his dad and me discussing disasters and tragedies, and On the News helped with the questions he had.
T's dad and I have both been relieved that T's fears were not realized. He has told us that pretty much everyone plays nicely, and that people don't call each other mean names or exclude anyone from play. In fact, T is always excited to go to school and has told me to turn the car around after pickup so that he can play even longer with his friends! The messages in On the Playground are therefore a reinforcement for T: Don't hurt others with your words, and if someone is doing that, tell an adult and check on the victim.
I must praise the way that prejudice and harassment are handled in On the Playground. This would be valuable for a grade-school audience.
Son's Comments
(Age: 4 and 1/2)
Mom: What does the book On the Playground help us remember?
Son: No hurting. And no bullying.
Mom: What could you do for the kid who people were being mean to?
Son: I could help him get away from them. And I could tell them [the bullies] to don't do that, and I could also call a grown-up.
Mom: What did you think of the book?
Son: I liked it because reminds us "no hurting or bullying."
Note:
A review copy was provided by Orca Book Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
On the Playground: Our First Talk About Prejudice (The World Around Us Series)
Written by Dr. Jillian Roberts
Illustrated by Jane HeinrichsPublished February 19, 2019
Mom's Comments:
On the Playground is very gentle in its treatment of harassment and prejudice. The narrator strikes a tone that makes it clear that these are wrong, but that there may be an understandable (though wrong) reason behind them. Likely, these are learned behaviors that the perpetrators have never even considered to be bad. Children are encouraged to learn about differences and reflect on prejudices of their own. People are given the benefit of the doubt, but the author explicitly states, "Let's be clear: It is always wrong to intentionally hurt someone." The message is clear, but without attacking the wrongdoers, which I think is a healthy way to handle this without perpetuating hate and anger and prejudice. After reading, children will understand what prejudice is, why people may have prejudices, that prejudice and harassment are not okay, and how to respond when one is confronted with harassment/bullying.
Sidebars are present on almost every page. They include anecdotal evidence explaining the effect of bullying (track star Sophie Kamlish was a victim), how bystanders can support victims (Pink Shirt Day is one example), and what different terms mean (inclusivity, types of prejudice). Photographs of children appear alongside illustrations. The overall effect is one of reassurance that although prejudice and bullying/harassment exist, we can combat them. I especially like the specific examples of how readers can respond to harassment. Back matter includes more resources for caregivers.
I did not read everything in On the Playground with T. Some of it was pertinent to him, some was not. Before this school started this year, T mentioned apprehension about some kids who were not always nice last year. He expressed concern about being called names that he didn't like. Although we talked with him about to how he can address the situation, I thought On the Playground could be a useful tool. Sometimes, seeing characters in book makes the difference – it's not just Mom and Dad telling you what to do; people in books set examples to follow. Two other books from this series, also written by child psychologist Dr. Roberts, have been helpful resources for us. T had been asking about the different people we see on street corners with signs, and On Our Street helped me answer his questions. T also has overheard his dad and me discussing disasters and tragedies, and On the News helped with the questions he had.
T's dad and I have both been relieved that T's fears were not realized. He has told us that pretty much everyone plays nicely, and that people don't call each other mean names or exclude anyone from play. In fact, T is always excited to go to school and has told me to turn the car around after pickup so that he can play even longer with his friends! The messages in On the Playground are therefore a reinforcement for T: Don't hurt others with your words, and if someone is doing that, tell an adult and check on the victim.
I must praise the way that prejudice and harassment are handled in On the Playground. This would be valuable for a grade-school audience.
Son's Comments
(Age: 4 and 1/2)
Mom: What does the book On the Playground help us remember?
Son: No hurting. And no bullying.
Mom: What could you do for the kid who people were being mean to?
Son: I could help him get away from them. And I could tell them [the bullies] to don't do that, and I could also call a grown-up.
Mom: What did you think of the book?
Son: I liked it because reminds us "no hurting or bullying."
Note:
A review copy was provided by Orca Book Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
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