Alley Oops

Feb 18, 2005 - © Mary M. Alward



I recently got a shipment of books to review from Flashlight Press. There's some really awesome kids' books that I'm looking forward to reading and reviewing for you. The first one is on the social issue of bullying.

No one should be bullied. Everyone should be free to go wherever they want without having to be afraid. This book is a great resource of information to all those coping with situations concerning bullying, including teachers and parents.

Title: Alley Oops

Author: Janice Levy

Illustrator: C.B. Decker

Publisher: Flashlight Press

ISBN: 0972922547

This story is told from the point of view of the bully, J.J. Jax. He's in a lot of trouble again. It seems that he's been bullying Patrick Montgomery, the new boy at school.

Patrick is overweight. J.J. has been teasing, taunting and calling him names like, "The Big Oink," and "Porky." Patrick has been having nightmares and is afraid to go to school. He's afraid that J.J. is going to hurt him.

Patrick's father has gone to see J.J's dad. Mr. Jax is furious when he finds out what his son's been doing. He tells J.J. a story about when he was young. J.J. hates these stories and is angry.

J.J. jumps on his bicycle and pedals furiously over to Patrick's house. He confronts Patrick. Patrick is frightened at first, but then begins telling J.J. things that annoy him. Before they know it, the boys are talking. It seems they really have a lot in common. You will be really surprised at what happens next.

Author Janice Levy uses quick, sharp dialogue that will have you flipping pages like crazy. Illustrator C.B. Decker's life-like illustrations bring the story to life.

****Highly Recommended.

About the Author:

Janice Levy is a former ESL teacher. She has published six children's books, The Man Who Lived in a Hat, Totally Cool, Alley Oops, and The Spirit of Tio Fernando, to name a few. Janice lives with her family in Merrick, New York. Stop by Janice's Website to see other children's books that she has published.

About the Illustrator:

Cynthia B. Decker illustrated the books, Celebrate the Fire Within, Alley Oops, and a series of children's books for Curtis Publishing. Although Cynthia studied art, she feels she is a self-taught illustrator. She is the mother of four children. Cynthia and her family live in Modesto, CA. Be sure to visit Cynthia's website, to see some of her other illustrations.

About the Publisher:

The copyright of the article Alley Oops in Books for Kids is owned by Mary M. Alward. Permission to republish Alley Oops in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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