At Young Page Turners, we believe that books are powerful tools for opening up important conversations with children, and there a few topics that are more vital than bullying. Bullying can take many forms and stem from many different reasons, which is why it’s essential that parents, carers, teachers and guardians talk openly with children about what it is, why it’s wrong and how to respond to it. One of the most effective ways to approach this sensitive subject is through stories and Overcoming Bullying: Ayman’s Tale by Lotta Kasse is an excellent example.
Overcoming Bullying: Ayman’s Tale is a story for children written by Lotta Kasse, a Black Muslim woman who has personally experienced the challenges of being different. Her personal experiences brings an authenticity to this simple yet powerful story. The book follows Ayman, a bright, kind and curious young girl who is originally from Senegal in West Africa – approximately 2,885 miles from the UK. Like so many children, Ayman is full of dreams and excitement as she prepares to start at a new school. But her hopes are quickly dashed when sadly she’s met with unkindness and exclusion. Her classmates treat her differently because of her unfamiliar name and her traditional clothing – an experience that leaves her feeling isolated, lonely and sad. This, as the story gently shows, is a form of bullying.
What makes this story so inspiring is Ayman’s resilience. She speaks to her teacher about the problems she is having, and with the support of her teacher and loving parents, she learns to embrace her identity, standing tall and proud in her uniqueness. As she grows more comfortable and confident in who she is, her classmates begin to see her for who she truly is and their attitudes slowly start to make a positive change. It’s a story with an empowering message for any child who has ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in.
Overall, Lotta Kasse’s Overcoming Bullying: Ayman’s Tale is a relatable story around bullying. It is easy to read and simple for children to follow along, promoting very positive messages. It is suitable for children from all backgrounds age 5+.
Ayman’s Tale is a good story that helps to promote themes of empathy, diversity and the importance of being true to yourself. Young readers are encouraged to celebrate what makes them different, that everybody is different in their own unique way and that others should always be treated with kindness and respect, whatever their background. It also gently explores the idea that bullying is more than just name-calling or physical harm; bullying can take many forms and can be as subtle as excluding someone or making them feel unwelcome just because of their appearance, beliefs, language or culture. Bullying, in whatever form, is a topic that needs to be discussed and tackled at an early age, at home and in school, teaching children why it is wrong, how it can be extremely hurtful and to accept people for who they are, and I feel this book helps start that discussion superbly.
While the core message is about bullying, the book also champions ideas of self-belief and the courage to pursue what you love, even when you’re worried about what others might think. As Lotta Kasse beautifully puts it, “At the end of the day, no matter how we look or where we come from, we are all capable of greatness.”
With its easy-to-read child-friendly text, accompanied by expressive illustrations, Ayman’s journey is expertly brought to life in a sensitive way. I feel that this is a wonderful resource that is perfect for helping to spark those meaningful discussions, at home or in the classroom, around the very real issues of bullying along with resilience, acceptance and the power of kindness in a way that young children will easily be able to relate to.
For further support or advice on bullying, whether you’re a child or an adult, visit www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £5.99 (Paperback) / £3.99 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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