Jack David Dean
The
inspiration for the Johnny Junkpile book came from the desire to help
my son deal with being picked on at school. I remember being picked on at
school and how scary it was wondering what was going to happen to
me each day when I rode the bus to school.
When I was in school there were three older boys who cut to the front of the line while we all waited to get on the bus. I never thought that was fair and it made me angry. These boys were much bigger than me and I was afraid to confront them or say anything to them. Also on the bus each boy took up a whole seat for themselves and wouldn't let anyone sit with them. The bus was usually full so if you got on last that meant you had stand or cram into a seat with some other kids.
One day a girl I knew who lived next door to me got on last and couldn't find a seat so she just plopped herself down next to one of these guys. I was shocked and thought she was the bravest girl I had ever seen. She was a bit older than these boys and didn't seem to be afraid of them at all. I was also surprised to see that these guys were not as tough as they seemed since they didn't do anything when she sat down next to them.
The next day my best friend, who was a pretty big kid decided to challenge these boys. They walked up to the front of the line like usual and when the bus pulled up my friend jumped right in front of these bullies. I pumped my fist in the air and yelled, "YES!". I was beginning to think these guys might not be as as tough as they seem.
Then one day I was late and the last one on the bus. Of course, all the seats were taken accept for one next to one of the bullies. So I held my breath and plopped myself down next to the biggest one, he glared at me but didn't say anything. I just sat there looking straight ahead until we arrived at school. I got off the bus and the bullies yelled at me that I was dead man. So much for being brave I thought to myself.
On the bus ride home I sat far away from them and they seemed to not notice me. I figured maybe they forgot about me. However, when I got off the bus the bullies surrounded me and started yelling at me. I was certain my life was over but I held my breath and acted as tough as I could.
I was wearing a green Army hat that day. I don't know why but I loved that old hat. One of them took the hat and said. "Thanks for the hat Dean". He put it on his head and laughed at me and the others laughed too. I decided this was my chance to do something. I pushed one of the bullies aside and started to walk away. They yelled at me and said, "Hey where are you going!". I replied that I was going home and started walking away. The bully that stole my hat asked me if I wanted my hat back while he dangled it in the air. I said not really and kept on walking. He threw the hat up in the air and I caught it as I walked passed him. "Thanks," I said and put the hat in my coat pocket.
I
learned a valuable lesson that day. I learned that bullies are not always
as tough or brave as they seem. Sometimes all you have to do is stand
up to them and they will leave you alone. This may not work all the time but is worth trying.
Kids, you should talk to your parents about this idea. Parents, it may be something that you could use as a way to help your child deal with being picked on.
I hope this helps. Remember to read a good book today and have some fun. Send me an email and let me know what you think.