4. SR: I understand that your latest book, "Alley Oops," is about bullying, told from the bully's perspective. My school where I teach just implemented an anti-bullying campaign and your book speaks to this awful problem that is really pervasive in the schools.
JL: Bullying is a worldwide problem with negative lifelong consequences - for the bully as well as the victim. Nearly everyone knows a bully, has been bullied, or has bullied someone. "Alley Oops" is a story about hurt and anger, empathy and hope, resilience and ingenuity. It's about actions and consequences. It's about that "alley oops!" moment when a child experiences the empowerment and self-esteem that come from doing the right thing.
An advance review of the book says, "Playground bullies and aggressive behavior are frequently addressed in today's parenting magazines. Author Janice Levy offers a completely new take on the subject with her latest book, Alley Oops, told from the bully's perspective. The book tells the story of how a bully changes his negative attitude to accept the person he once ridiculed, without sugar-coating the topic of bullying. The language is comprehensible, with a gratifying, realistic solution. I highly recommend this for its insight, educational value and straightforward treatment of an age-old problem."
5. SR: Besides writing books, are you involved in other media?
JL: I've done a CD for children. It's an audio variety show for kids that helps parents keep sane by keeping their kids "edutained." The CD has acted out stories, poems, music and jokes. It's called
"Are We There Yet??? (#003) and can be ordered at by contacting
http://www.awty.us/zade's_little_sh_0000...
6. SR: Have you been writing your whole life? Does it come naturally to you?
JL: To quote Satchel Paige, "I ain't ever had a job, I just always played baseball."
My dog tilts her head and points her foot when she suddenly hears or smells something magical. With me, it's as if I'm wearing a satellite dish. My senses are "supersized." I pick up signals - from loud booms to tiny blips.
If you and I met, I'd focus on the pinky wart you pick at, the wiggling, jiggling leg under the table, the earlobe you constantly scratch... Are you nervous? A deep thinker? Signaling a card dealer? Yikes- a contagious disease!
And your voice - the husky coated vowels, throat clearing stutter, syllables stretching like lazy sunbathers...are you an Oxford scholar, a really-from-Queens-Madonna-wannabee, a transvestite?
Sniff, sniff: a combination of expensive and onions...why grandma, whose bed have you been sleeping in? Are you a gourmet chef, a prison guard with lethal weapon breath, do you shower once a month and only with friends due to environmentalist concerns... .and why is the price tag still on the bottom of your shoe? Something borrowed, something blue; stolen, forgotten, Jimmy Choo?
