Children have the right to a healthy and safe learning environment. Authors and children's advocates design a program to help.
Greentown,
PA (PRWEB) October 29, 2004 -- As subtle as it may seem, bullying is a
form of violence. Research shows that over 75% of today's youth will be
exposed to at least some aspect of bullying before they reach high
school. The act of bullying has lasting consequences not only for it's
victim, but bystanders as well. At the very least, it damages the
learning environment and threatens a child's number one concern at
school – personal safety.
Patricia Gatto and John De Angelis, authors and advocates for
children's issues, especially literacy and anti-bullying policies, have
written MILTON'S DILEMMA, a 32-page children's book. Richly illustrated
by Rhode Island School of Design graduate, Kenneth Vincent, this is the
tale of a lonely boy and his struggles with the school bullies. With
the help of a mischievous gnome, young Milton embarks on a magical
journey to friendship and self-acceptance as he leans that getting even
isn't the answer, even in his dreams.
Gatto and De Angelis have taken things further by developing Milton's
Dilemma and the Consequences of Bullying, an energetic and uplifting
musical assembly program based on their book. The hour-long
presentation addresses the issues in an entertaining, yet
thought-provoking manner. It features a lesson plan with projects and
worksheets, a dramatic reading of their story, a slideshow presentation
on bullying, original songs and audience participation.
Inspired by John's personal childhood experience, this husband and wife
writing team share their message in an effort to help children identify
and cope with the negative and aggressive behavior of bullying. Their
goal is to foster awareness and provide children with an understanding
of their rights to a safe and healthy learning environment. In
addition, the program provides a platform for educators to build and
enforce anti-bullying policies throughout the year as they encourage
children to come forward and report incidents of bullying.
The authors/screenwriters/entertainers believe in encouraging the
pursuit of creative endeavors as a means to empower your students with
strength and confidence. Gatto and De Angelis are available for
interviews and presentations, and are especially interested in
participating in fundraisers for the benefit of children.
Their entertaining children's book, MILTON'S DILEMMA, is available for $15.95 through Joyful Productions on the web at http://www.joyfulproductions.com , Amazon.com, other online booksellers and bookstores, or by calling 570-857-0255.
MILTON'S DILEMMA by Patricia Gatto & John De Angelis. Illustrated
by Kenneth Vincent. ISBN 0-9651661-9-8. Hardcover, 0.38 x 9 x 7, 32
pages. Children's Picture Book, Ages 5-10. Cover Price $15.95.
Publication Date July 2004.
