A tale of two spelling-bee-winner-type kids and how they overcome vocabularily challenged mean kids. In their alter-egos, Jam-Bo and Litta-Girl, James and Liza realize that the bullies are no match for kids who are funny, brave, smart, heroic, decent, clever, capable, gallant, marvelous, noteworthy, and unparalleled. The cleverness builds as each page adds positive descriptors with more and more letters. With multicultural characters, wonderful vocabulary development, a few grammar lessons, rhyme and meter, and the use of a bright, graphic approach that grabs and keeps your attention, the book clearly demonstrates how kids can unleash the greatest superpower they have—their minds.
After publishing his first book, The Six Sisters and their Flying Carpets, Adam Ford wrote this book specifically for the style of the illustrator he hired for this book.
Illustrations for this book were done by Courtney Huddleston, who lives somewhere in the mass of humid humanity that is Houston, Texas, where he is happily married to his wife and happily ball-and-chained to his art desk. Forever.
You can see Courtney’s work at Wendy Lynn & Company.
REVIEWS
As “the pen is mightier than the sword” the word is mightier than the punk. Adam Ford’s book about outsmarting bullies is a splendiferous tale of two spelling-bee-winner-type kids and how they overcome vocabularily challenged mean kids. James and Liza put up with a lot from bullies Al, Ed and Lu, until finally they find their strength in language. In their alter-egos, Jam-bo and Litta-girl, James and Liza realize that the meanies are no match for kids who are funny, brave and smart, heroic, decent, clever, capable, gallant, marvelous, noteworthy and unparalleled. The cleverness builds as each page adds positive descriptors with more and more letters, until they get up to twenty letters and “uncharacteristically” run out of things to say. By then the bullies are stumped and have no response. A fun way to learn new vocabulary, learn a lesson, and have fun all at the same time!
– Alex Dohan, a mom
As a young child, I had to deal with bullies all the time. A story that allows a child to empower themselves against bullies will change that child’s life forever and possibly break the cycle. Well written!
– Brad Bingham, a dad
In a society that seems to be communicating more in broken language, this inspiring story of friendship and loyalty shows how the power of vocabulary can create a platform to rise above physical limitations in the face of opposition and abuse. Not only does it promote knowledge as power but it showcases standing up for oneself with self-respect, positivity and intelligence, rather than bringing oneself down to the level of those would be bullies. A great insight on some of the most relevant topics facing not only our young people, but the children in all of us.
– I.W. Bruso Program Developer/Manager, Youth Action
The message was a good one and one that ends well—turn the cheek and head on away. Simple. To the point. Enlightening. Fun.
– Eric Wernet, a teacher
A wonderful book that teaches children how to feel strong (6) and worthy (another 6!) while standing up to adversity by using their intelligence (12). With multicultural characters, wonderful vocabulary development, a few grammar lessons, rhyme and meter, and the use of a bright, graphic approach that grabs and keeps your attention, the book maintains a sense of humor throughout. It clearly demonstrates how kids can unleash the greatest superpower they have—their minds.
– Claire E. Hughes, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Education, College of Coastal Georgia
PURCHASING OPTIONS
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Enjoy Adam B. Ford reading the book Jam-Bo, Litta-Girl, and the Bullies!
Here’s a downloadable coloring book with images from the book!
