You've Got A Freakin' Dart In Your Book, Man.

GOOD.is presented an awesome, hands-on/mouse-on, interactive targeted books page. The Most Targeted Books lists 10 of the most pulled books from libraries for 2009. Always wanting to ruffle a few feathers, I'd most likely be the one who would intentionally introduce these books into a classroom or recommend them to others. I was also really drawn into this page because it features 2 of my favorite books ever: The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Catcher in the Rye. To be honest, I have two copies of Perks sitting in my private high school office right now.

I was shocked that My Sister's Keeper was the worst listed book. I watched the movie a few months ago and didn't think it was anything too bad. While some themes are probably not ok for an elementary student, I believe that most high schoolers are mature enough for the content (assuming the book and movie follow some sort of the same plot and story line). I'm a firm believer in the "as long as the students are reading, who cares" philosophy.

None of these books, besides crappy Twilight, deserves to be on any banned book list!

(I wish I could take credit for this artwork, but I found it on Google Images.)

Fatty, Fatty 2x4, Couldn't Fit Through the Bathroom Door

While this research seems a little obvious, it's still important - especially for teachers, educators, and all the school yard/recess teachers. Thank you, Mrs. Bunch!

Yahoo! Health posted an article, Bullies Target Obese Kids, (duh!) showing that regardless of socioeconomic level, race, gender, or other usual suspects for name calling, being a lard ass is the #1 way to ensure an awful childhood. While I myself am a lard ass, you can see my obvious cynicism for this article by the diction and sarcasm that is ever present in this post. Any 2 second glance at a school's playground, a walk down the halls, or an eavesdropping ear will tell you the chunksters are most likely the targets...and maybe that's because it's easier to hit a bigger target.

My point is, learn some self-esteem. There is going to be one of two outcomes to bullying: 1) They win. or 2) You win. While I realize that not every overweight or obese kid will have as much confidence or cockiness or as big of an ego as me, I do realize these things are learned and fostered by others. I'm not saying we need to go watch Mr. Rogers, The Wiggles (who have the clap, btw), or Fragglerock to be told we're special in our own way. I'm saying, as educators, let's find what each kid is good at and let's help them become better human beings.

"As Stuart Smally says, 'I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me.' So now, I'm going to go be happy with myself...and my ham sammich."