Ouch! Moments: When Words Are Used in Hurtful Ways
Michael Genhart, Author
Viviana Garofoli, Illustrator
Magination Press, Fiction, Sep. 22, 2015
Suitable for Ages: 5-8
Themes: Hurtful words, Microaggressions, Insults, Conduct, Caring, Empowerment
Opening: “When a bee stings, Ouch! That hurts! Catching a finger in a closing door hurts a lot. Ouch! Hearing a mean thing or ugly word hurts too. That is definitely an Ouch moment!”
Synopsis: Sometimes kids use hurtful words to put down another child. They can be said by a child when they are trying to be funny, “oink goes the pig” or “he throws like a girl.” They can be used by kids to have power over other kids to make them feel small. Ouch moments happen quickly and other kids don’t know what to do. When these moments occur, the perpetrator, the victim and the bystanders need help. Readers will be encouraged to be caring and take a stand.
Why I like this book:
Michael Genhart introduces readers to “ouch moments” that are usually directed towards a child that is different. His thoughtful book will help parents, teachers and children recognize mean, ugly, and hurtful words. The language is simple, hopeful and ideal for kids. The characters are believable. Children will learn strategies that will empower them to stand up to insults and hurtful language. This is a book that all children can identify with because they have been on both sides, as the perpetrator and receiver. Genhart also helps kids to recognize their own hurtful language in a way that doesn’t shame. Many times they repeat something they’ve heard from someone else. Viviana Garofoli’s illustrations are colorful, expressive and compliment the story.
Resources: This book is a resource for home and in the classroom. It is great resource for school teachers at the beginning of the school year to talk with kids about hurtful language and share their “ouch moments.” There is a Note to Parents and Caregivers about microaggressions, and strategies for talking to children about hurtful language, discrimination and bias.
Children's Books Heal 
A great way to teach children about the harm words can do. The sooner a child learns this, the better person they will become.
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Yes, I agree. And “Ouch” gets kids attentions. Great way to discuss harmful words.
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Thank you for sharing this! I’ll get a copy and check it out. As an adult, I’ve used the word “ouch” a few times to let someone know that something they said or did had hurt. It led to good discussions and healing.
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Hello! Glad you enjoyed this book. I really like that the author chose a strong word like “OUCH” to address hurtful language. OUCH will resonate with kids. Good to hear from you!
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After hearing the adage: Sticks and stones may break your bones but words can never hurt you, for most of my young life, it’s nice to see the “movement” to acknowledge that words really can sting. Thanks for sharing this one.
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Yes, I remember that line well. Words do sting. Remember when kids used to say “you have cooties” and the ouch from that one! I’m sure today the insults are more sophisticated.
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Thanks for bringing this title to my attention. Sounds like an excellent resource especially in light of the tone of current political discourse.
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Yes, I agree. I don’t know how parents handle the language their kids are hearing on TV. Kids are confused by the meanness. This is a great book to counter act the hurtful words.
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What a great book for the classroom! Thanks for sharing.
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You are welcome. I was delighted to share it!
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“Ouch Moments” is a great way to describe those hurtful times. And I’m glad the bystanders were not left out of the equation.
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Yes, I was delighted the bystanders were included. Kids don’t know what to do — join, keep silent, tell. This book handles all angles.
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How I wish this book were available when my now-grown kids were young. This looks to be a terrific book to share at the beginning of the school year and whenever hurtful language rears its ugly head.
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Yes, I wish it was available when my daughter was young. She wore hearing aids and endured many “ouch” moments. This is a great classroom book!
Glad you like it!
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I just heard about this book at my school yesterday, and was delighted to see your blog feature so I could find out more about it! Now I need to look for it.
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I’m pleased you were able to read my review of the book.
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This is a book families/classrooms definitely need to read! 😀
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Yes, it is an excellent book for home and classrooms. The word OUCH is a good word for hurtful moments.
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What a great idea for a book! I think my grandkids need this. Thanks to you, my bookcase is getting full of good ‘teachable’ books for them.
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Yes, it is an excellent book to teach kids about hurtful words. Magination Press does an excellent job with “teachable” books.
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My 3- and 7-year old grandsons sat very still when I read this book to them. The 7-year-old asked many questions. The 3 year old (almost 4) learned the word “courage” and has been saying it over and over again now. 🙂 My daughter, a 6th grade science teacher, is planning on placing this book in her school bookshelf. Even though the book is for younger ages, she says the 6th graders like to read books like this.
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I love how you used these books with your 3- and 7-year-old grandsons. I love their responses. And, I think 6th graders need gentle reminders. I reviewed a bullying series that is for old kids, that is my very favorite — the Weird series. If you haven’t seen the books, you can look them up on my blog under “bullying.” Each book tells the story from the POV of the victim, bystander and the bully. Fantastic cartoon like artwork. Your daughter my enjoy this series for older kids. And there is a book for boys “Nobody!”
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I’ll look them up and send the recommendations to my daughter. THANKS!
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Another just right book, Pat. On my to read list. Thanks!
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I really was happy to review this book as it is perfect to help children realize their words can hurt. It can also help children talk about words that have hurt them. Great book for the classroom and home.
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