Review of Not Fat Because I Wanna Be
There are two big problems that are the center of our national attention in the US: obesity and bullying. Often times, it is the problem of obesity, particularly childhood obesity, that can lead to bullying. This book offers a unique perspective on both of these issues. The story is by seven year old LaNiyah Bailey. The story follows a little girl named Jessica, or “Jess” for short. She’s at that age when she’s learning that people come in different shapes and sizes with help from her loving family. However, it’s a hard lesson to come to terms with for Jess when she’s facing a lot of hurtful words thrown at her at school by students and teachers. Even though she loves fruits and vegetables, eats salads all of the time, and avoids fatty foods, Jess struggles with her weight. She resorts to hiding in the bathroom to get away from the mean kids and teachers at her school who accuse her of eating too much. Her parents tell her to value what’s on the inside, and it helps a little, but the bullying she faces still hurts. The story then goes into Jess’s trips to the doctor’s office to figure out why she has put on so much weight despite eating a healthy diet. She learns that she has a problem with her colon and starts taking medicine to make it better. Learning about these health problems empowered her to go to school and face the kids once more. It even gave them something to admire about her and even ask about. Her trip to the “x-ray camera machine” was something that earned the awe of the playground. It was an interesting story from the perspective of a child facing very real health problems that aren’t all that uncommon. It’s so unique for its plain honesty, genuineness, and discovery, that I recommend the most sensitive readers (and especially mothers of children facing similar problems) to keep some tissues handy. This is the perfect kind of book to read to a young one regardless of whether or not they are being bullied because children need to understand the consequences of their words. Kids who are taught to look beyond the superficial will grow up to be more stable and well-adjusted. This book will require some discussion for younger readers so that they can connect the dots and understand what this story is saying about bullying and judging people just based on how they look. The illustrations are absolutely darling and add so much emotional value to the story. The fact that it’s written from the perspective of a child will allow young readers to connect to the story. {SOURCE} LaNiyah & her 'superhero' friends Jessica & Diva-Pup spent the day with 51 campers at the Broadview Park District's summer daycamp. The event was filled with fun, laughter and lots of learning about bullying and how to be hero. There were a few not so funny moments as we talked about bullying but, overall this event was a huge SUCCESS! All 51 campers made a pledge "I will stand up for myself AND I will stand up for others. Bullying is NOT cool." After making their pledge each camper was presented with a "Hero" award!!! Kudos to Broadview Park District! To raise awareness of the presence of bullying in schools, Kenora students (grade 4-6) gathered in a massive group of 600 to show their support for this cause. June 2012 – Seven-year old author LaNiyah Bailey, famous for writing two highly-acclaimed children’s books has a new feather in her cap, with the South Korean Avalon English Institute announcing the inclusion of her story in their 3rd-6th grade theme based curriculum. The Seoul based institution has implemented the story under its "Jump and Catch" Reading 2 category. The story is teaching young children how to accept others no matter the difference and to stand up for those that may be getting bullied. LaNiyah has recently, launched her #NoBully Plush Collection, which is a plush toy line aiming to help children develop their inner "Bully Buster." She acknowledges that many children undergo bullying because of several reasons and being overweight is one of the most common reasons among them. She proudly states that by including her story in the school curriculum it will help many children to boost their self-confidence and protest against bullying. According to this 7-year old author, LaNiyah Bailey, Avalon English Institute is appreciated for this and more institutions should focus attention on teaching their students about anti-bullying in schools at an early age. LaNiyah understands how bad it feels when someone starts bullying you. She is often bullied because of the size of her stomach. It is a very painful situation for her. With Mom (LaToya “Toyiah Marquis” White), Dad (Songo Bailey) and her entire family rallying behind her 100% it helped LaNiyah develop the courage needed to help her face the situation head on. Her mission is to help others who often go through similar situations. Her mom, who is also a writer, helps her daughter develop stories and concepts that can be very effective and inspiring to young kids. LaNiyah with the help of her Argentina based illustrator Laura Perez Ricaud, have created two characters Jessica & Diva Pup who are superheroes. They stand up to bullies all over the world and encourage children to do the same. She released her first book entitled “Not Fat Because I Wanna Be” when she was just six-years old. Despite eating balanced and nutritious meals, and being very active she still gained weight; and this made her a victim of bullying. In her debut book, she characterized a fictional girl named Jessica who was bullied by other kids due to her weight. The story details how Jessica learned to accept herself the way she was and how she overcame bullying by peers and classmates. Shortly thereafter, LaNiyah released her 2nd book which is an educational coloring activity book entitled “Stand Up! Bully Busters Coming To Town.” Her stories which garner a very creative approach have been appreciated and awarded by a huge number of educators, parents and celebrities all over the world who think that her books are really inspirable and bring an intrinsic positive change in children to help them cope with bullying situations. Several parents believe that if such stories could be a part of their school’s curriculum, children would develop life-skills that will go a long way in chiseling their personal as well as professional life. With the Avalon Institute implementing this initiative we’re sure it’ll bring about positive changes in their student’s lives. LaNiyah Bailey, wants Jessica and Diva-Pup to help your kids too!! She recently launched her brand new #NoBully 'Plush' Collection featuring her superhero friends "Jessica & Diva-Pup." Jessica & Diva-Pup will help any child build the courage to have a voice, they are super-soft and plush. LaNiyah absolutely LOVES her superhero buddies!! Check out some pics from her new line.... They are on PRE-ORDER HERE!!! LaNiyah Bailey, will be a guest on abc7's Windy City LIVE on Wednesday, April 18, 2012. On that day they will dedicate the entire hour to the very serious topic of bullying & personal stories are shared and experts and parents will help weigh in on the issue. It is a not to be missed episode!
Be sure to tune in!!! You can also watch the LIVE STREAM: HERE |
LaNiyah BaileyAward-winning youth author and anti-bullying advocate. Archives
October 2017
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