Additional information
by Jennifer Licate (Author), Suzanne Beaky (Illustrator)
Mateo is at the center of a wild rumor that is swiftly spreading around school.
He's freaked out and frustrated. He can't seem to stop it or shut it down. What's worse, the rumor is a lie started by someone Mateo thought was a friend. The whispers began, like they so often do in middle school, during the lunch period. Mateo and his longtime friend Lily were laughing and joking with each other. When Harris saw them together, he didn't see two friends innocently goofing around. He saw a lovey-dovey couple who MUST BE boyfriend and girlfriend. Or at least that's what he wants everyone else to think. Harris wastes little time telling his buddies about Mateo and his "girlfriend." Soon that rumor is all over school. Mateo gets hassled by his friends. Lily feels disrespected. Both are annoyed and uncomfortable, and eventually stop speaking to each other. Will they let the gossip and teasing destroy their friendship? Or can Mateo convince Harris to finally admit to everyone the actual truth? Why is He Spreading Rumors about Me? is a gripping, fast-paced story that explores the insecurities, fears, obsessions, and anxieties of middle schoolers. As Mateo struggles to salvage his friendship with Lily and put an end to all the gossip, young readers gain an understanding of how hurtful and far reaching a rumor's ripple effects can be. Educators and group leaders can supplement this chapter book with a Teacher and Counselor Activity Guide. The guide provides self-reflection questions and group activities to thoughtfully engage readers with the content, encouraging them to think critically about the frustration, embarrassment, and alienation that result when rumors are repeated.Author Biography
Jennifer is an award-winning children's book author who has worked as a school counselor for over a decade. She loves writing social and emotional books to help children and preteens through challenging times. Jennifer's books teach children strategies to work through their issue, and the stories give children the comfort of knowing they're not alone in their struggles. Her books focus on topics such as anxiety, depression, and friendship struggles. Jennifer's books use a quick-read chapter format and are geared toward children ages 9 to 13.
Through working with children of all ages, Jennifer has seen the benefits of social-emotional learning books firsthand. Children lose themselves as they're immersed within the stories. They're able to understand complex issues from so many different perspectives by seeing the story through the eyes of the characters. Counseling children, as well as raising two children of her own, has taught her a universal truth: all children want to be loved, valued, and respected for the unique individuals they are. She channels this truth, the importance of providing support to children as they navigate social and emotional issues, and her love for creativity into all her children's books. Her goal is that all children who read one of her books will feel like the stories are speaking directly to them.
Number of Pages: 45
Dimensions: 0.2 x 8.74 x 5.75 IN
Publication Date: October 04, 2022
