One thing Vicki Chandler doesn’t lack is a passion for children. She loves children and loves to communicate this love in practical and effective ways. Her book, Heart Eyes, accomplishes this in an area where children seem to cross the line in their treatment of each other. I believe you will see in this book a way for children to learn to love others as Jesus would. Please take the time to share this resource with those who care for children.
My IDP (thesis) will cover bullying within a special education context. I have included studies that demonstrate that there is no difference in effectiveness between aggressive and non-aggressive peer interventions when it comes to stopping bullying already occurring. Whether people focus on opposing the bully or helping the victim doesn't seem to matter except for one thing: aggressive intervention against the bully carries with it the possibility of escalating the situation and, in some cases, actually increases the frequency of bullying, as students are encouraged to act more aggressively toward each other. We'd like to avoid that mess, so it's in our interest to encourage students to focus on helping the victim rather than opposing the bullies, which is precisely what Beth does in Heart Eyes.
Upper Merion Area School District in PA is committed to providing a caring community for their students. Middle school students provided their review of the book, Heart Eyes: Beth and the Bullies. Their responses demonstrated that the message of the book resonates with students aged twelve and thirteen.
These creative and caring students designed videos which conveyed their thoughtful responses to the book and their insight. Enjoy!
You can be different and still make friends. You may be different like Beth because of her accent and get friends.
If you see someone who is being bullied … be a leader and stand up for them, whether or not you are friends with them, you just met them, or even if you don't know them just do something.
You can use your heart eyes in so many ways. Beth stood up for Jacob even though she just met him.
I learned that when you see someone who is sad then go over to them and talk to them. And if you see someone who is being bullied, don't be a bystander; be a leader and stand up for them, whether or not you are friends with them, you just met them, or even if you don't know them just do something.
The thing I liked most about your book was the drawings by Ryan Jackson. He is a really good illustrator. The artwork was so colorful. I can appreciate that because I am not a good artist.
I just wanted to say that I love the illustrations and the message of your book.
I think that you will become big someday probably not soon but eventually I know that you can. And remember if you believe in yourself you can achieve anything. If you dream big it will happen in the future.
If I was a little kid I would love this book. But I may not be little but I still love this book.
We all need "Heart Eyes"
This is a wonderfully creative way to help children - adults too - find ways to deal with bullying. The captivating story and beautiful illustrations will hold the attention of children and make them think about how they can use their "heart eyes" to make a difference in the life of a child who is being bullied. I'm excited to see the next book in this series!
Great book and such an amazing message!! Every parent should share this with their children. It would help to create respectful relationships amongst our kids.
Hope to see more in the series soon. I love the message and the lesson of compassion and empathy coming from a child, a beautiful character with her heart and eyes in the right place. Amazing illustrations.
This is a beautifully written children's book. The illustrations could be displayed in a gallery. Bullying is such an important topic and every child should read Heart Eyes. A perfect gift for the little ones in your life.
By Beth A. Abbott "Beth"
I know Vicki personally and respect her as an educator so was excited to hear she published this timely book. Stories of kids bullying other kids abound. In this readable tale, Beth is urged by her mother to use her heart eyes (compassion) to care for others and to make new friends. Using her heart eyes, she helps a boy being bullied and everyone benefits from her kindness. So often, children feel they have no recourse when being bullied. The questions for conversation that Vicki includes in the back are a wonderful tool for parents and teachers. I look forward to purchasing the next in her Heart Eyes series.
Heart Eyes gave me a new perspective on bullying from the point of view of a bystander. I can still remember when I was in elementary school, unsure of how to handle bullying situations around me. Wish I had these tools back then! Vicki does a fantastic job of handling the topic compassionately, which reflects her caring heart for others. She empowers adults and children alike to handle difficult situations, with practical suggestions given at the back of the book. What a refreshing way to handle this difficult topic! Any elementary age child, along with their parents and teachers will benefit from this precious book!
What a wonderful touching story about a little girl who sees others with her 'heart eyes'. I can't wait to give a copy to my daughter’s second grade teacher! Looking forward to the next book in the series.