Realistic Fiction: Just Kidding

'Just Kidding'

Written by: Trudy Ludwig

Illustrations by: Adam Gustavson

The book I chose is called "Just Kidding" written by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Adam Gustavson.

This realistic fiction book is about a young boy named D.J. who has recently moved to a new school and finds himself being the pit of his 'new friend' Vinces' jokes. The reader is taken through D.J.'s journey, from his perspective, to find support in order to overcome being bullied. Does he overcome this and find friends who treat him with respect and kindness? Or does Vince continue to bully D.J.? You will have to read and find out yourself!

As mentioned before, this book is a realistic fiction book because both the author and illustrator include vivid, realistic settings that the support the events of the story and the characters are credible. The reader is able to see D.J.'s development throughout the book and the overall theme is intrinsic to the story and applicable to readers' lives. In addition, the issue of bullying is believable since it happens often in our society, unfortunately, but we are able to see a culturally grounded and realistic solution in this book. 

Of the Six Elements of Social Justice, the most represented themes portrayed in this book are awareness rising through the students teaching one another about experiences that either involve others or themselves pertaining to bullying and blogging about them, and also social action by taking action against bullying since it affects them and their community. 

This book would be a wonderful addition to the topic of bullying. It can open up a discussion about the different forms of bullying, what to do if you or a friend are being bullied, and how to take action and reach out instead of staying quiet and allowing it to continue. Student's should feel safe enough in the classroom to talk about this topic and also understand that there are solutions to stop bullying if it is indeed happening to them or their friend. 

~ Samantha Kiser ~