Ouch! Moments: When Words Are Used in Hurtful Ways

K-Gr 3—Published by an imprint of the American Psychological Association, this book on verbal bullying may fill a weak spot in many collections. This text looks at both sides of the issue: bullying and being bullied. Readers will consider how it feels to be made fun of, what to do if they or those they know are being hurt by someone's words, and how to talk to themselves about words people may say about them. The cartoonlike illustrations are a good fit for the book's intended audience, clearly showing typical settings and situations and the emotional reactions of those people the "ouch" words are inflicted on. An extensive note to parents provides more insight into microaggressions and how they are aimed toward marginalized groups, a practice continuing into adulthood. There is potential here for meaningful parent-child discussions and for kids and adults to examine their own actions and reactions in these moments. This title is reminiscent of the American Girl self-help books in tone, but for a younger audience.