the story of a boy who stands up to bullies, not by fighting, but by staying true to himself. The story, based on the childhood experiences of Tomie dePaola, is a simple one. Oliver Button doesn’t like sports like the other boys do. He likes to read, draw pictures, dress up in costumes, and sing and dance. Even his father calls him a "sissy" and tells him to play ball. But Oliver isn’t good at sports and he isn’t interested. Tomie.com is a engaging website for children and adults alike.

This is cute picture book that redefines gender roles through telling the story of a boy who doesn't like to do typical 'boy' things, but instead, enjoys dancing and writing. Of course, he gets teased by his peers for his differences, but at the end, all the other children learn to accept him just the way he is. I think that this book would be good to use in the classroom when discussing bullying, however, I feel that some parents might have issues with this story and it's potential references to homosexuality. But overall, I think this story has a very positive message, and can be used to show children that bullying is wrong. This book is on a third grade reading level.

For some ideas for a lesson plan to use with this book, visit: http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons... ( )

Oliver Button didn't like sports; he liked dancing and singing. His parents sent him to dance school. At school a lot of people called him a sissy. When Oliver performed at a talent contest, the children changed their minds about him and stopped calling him names. Full-page illustrations on every page. Suitable for readers 6 to 9 years.

I love this book. I wish I had it when I was a kid. ( )

oliver bjtton is a sissy