• Would you like to help your child identify rumors, without getting drawn into them?
If so, this is the book for you.
It's an effective tool to help your children recognize rumors so they won't take them to heart. It also will help them understand the consequences of spreading a rumor.
* Suitable for ages 4-10
Michael and Mya are best friends with Michael living in the poor area of town whilst Mya and her family are wealthy so living in a "better" area. Despite their social differences Mya stands up for Michael many times when he gets picked on. When the other kids start spreading a rumor that he stole something in school, Mya is also there for him.
Even though Michael was first a victim of lies and gossip, he later succumbs to the world of gossip himself.
Use this book in helping your children in understanding the negative effects of gossip and rumors and how we can grow into better people by avoiding this behavior. Ugly rumors, whispered secrets, and embarrassing comments can spread like wildfire among school age children.
The main lesson in this book is best expressed in the Triple Filter Test of the great Greek Philosopher Socrates that can be summed up in his quote: “If what you want to say is neither true, nor good or kind, nor useful or necessary, please don’t say anything at all.”
I would not usually imagine teaching lessons from Socrates to my 8-year old, but this story made it clear and relatable for her age group.
The example about the impact of rumors was the most profound for her and will remain with her for a long time.
This is an EXCELLENT book for children. (Adults can learn from it also!) A very important lesson is taught and learned (great ending). It is well written and illustrated. A keeper in this house and most highly recommended.
