Amelia’s Bully Survival Guide

March 1998

As if science class isn’t enough to deal with — now Amelia has the class bully to face. But Amelia isn’t going to let that get her down.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-Amelia’s latest journal provides another winning glimpse into the life of a funny and likable contemporary child. In this fourth title in the series, the girl is beginning fifth grade and is the target of the class bully. Through candid notebook entries and lively, captioned drawings, readers share Amelia’s frustration and anger at being ostracized and cheer when she gains the necessary confidence at Space Camp to stand up to her intimidator back home. The engaging format resembles a hand-written, blue-lined composition book filled with full-color childlike drawings. Amelia’s comments range from typical elementary school humor (“Just pretend Hilary is a giant booger. Then you won’t care what she says or does”) to the whimsical (fashion rating: “Bad socks, D-“) to the more serious. With its hook for the voyeur in us all, a format that keeps the pages turning, and an “every girl” who vanquishes the ubiquitous bully, this satisfying read is right on target. Faith Brautigam, Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin, IL Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 3^-5. Amelia’s many fans will welcome the latest in the series of fictional journals, in her own handwriting, including Amelia’s Notebook (1995), Amelia Writes Again (1996), and Amelia Hits the Road (1997). As fifth grade begins, Amelia struggles with two unexpected problems, an inconstant friend and a constant bully. Spending winter break at Space Camp with her old friend Nadia, Amelia works hard, learns a lot, and develops her skills as a leader. The confidence she gains as commander of a mock shuttle mission gives her the boost she needs to meet the more down-to-earth challenges back at school. The freshness of Amelia’s voice is reflected in the small ink-and-watercolor illustrations of drawings, pictures, and souvenirs that brighten every page. Capturing the ups and downs of a child’s life with sympathy and wisdom as well as humor, this entertaining book makes journal writing look like fun. Carolyn Phelan –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.