Summary
Dizzy is smaller than the other students at school. Dizzy gets hurt, feelings and physically. Dizzy tried to be strong, however that ended when Dizzy stood up for himself against a bully. This gave Dizzy a feeling of accomplishment, and he continued to stand up for himself against the bullies. He had a rough life at home and tried to be tough. His music teacher changed his mind, when gifting him a trumpet. Dizzy changed to be a fighter into a musician. Dizzy used his anger as motivation to play.
Theme(s):
Family, Perseverance, Hardship, Music
Personal Response
I think this story is extremely important to share with students because in the story, it seems like Dizzy can’t catch a break. At school there are bullies and at home, his dad hurts him physically. This story shows that there is more than a world of fighting. Not only that, but this story also shows that there is a solution to feelings of anger or negativity. Dizzy used his trumpet skills as a different way to alleviate his struggles. I think it is important to share this message with students.
Teaching Ideas
I would use this book to show students that there are different ways to alleviate struggles. If you are angry, you do not need to hit anyone, rather you need to find an outlet that will allow you to get that anger out. I would read this book to students and brianstorm issues that we all have faced, and how we can find a solution to these issues that does not pertain to fighting anyone. Solutions can be: play an instrument, draw, write, run, read a book, etc…
Recommended Reading Level
Birth-PreK
