What do you think?
Rate this book
Weird! #2
Dare!
Jayla feels threatened by her classmate Sam, who has bullied her in the past for her "nerdy" love of astronomy and stars. Sam is now bullying Jayla’s friend Luisa, and she enlists Jayla to participate. Jalya reluctantly joins in but soon realizes it is wrong. With the help of caring adults and friends, Jayla comes to sympathize with Luisa and finds the courage to dare to stand up to Sam and put an end to the bullying.
The Weird! Series
These three books tell the story of an ongoing case of bullying from three third graders’ perspectives. Luisa describes being targeted by bullying in Weird! Jayla shares her experience as a bystander to bullying in Dare! And in Tough!, Sam speaks from the point of view of someone initiating bullying. Kids will easily relate to Luisa, Jayla, and Sam, as each girl has her own unique experience, eventually learning how to face her challenges with the help of friends, peers, and caring adults.
The Weird! Series
These three books tell the story of an ongoing case of bullying from three third graders’ perspectives. Luisa describes being targeted by bullying in Weird! Jayla shares her experience as a bystander to bullying in Dare! And in Tough!, Sam speaks from the point of view of someone initiating bullying. Kids will easily relate to Luisa, Jayla, and Sam, as each girl has her own unique experience, eventually learning how to face her challenges with the help of friends, peers, and caring adults.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
4 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Erin Frankel
26 books17 followersErin Frankel is a children’s book author. She loves telling stories of empathy and wonder. Her picture books include A Plate of Hope: The Inspiring Story of Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen, which is an Orbis Pictus Award Recommended Title and a Texas Blue Bonnet Award Nominee, as well as Remembering Barkley, and the Weird! series. Forthcoming titles include Mary Oliver, Holding on to Wonder (2025) and Piece by Piece: How Stephen Sondheim Made Musical Puzzles Come Alive (2026). Erin lives with her family in Pittsburgh, where she writes, teaches, and hopes. She is represented by Lindsay Auld at Writers House. You can also connect with her on Instagram @erinfrankelwrites
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 5, 2021
This book had an authentic plot and provided opportunities for us to talk about bullies and standing up for yourself and other kids, even when you're scared. There were engaging activities at the end of the story. Typically Evie wants to skip over the supplemental material, but not with this book.
I'm going to check out the other titles in this series, which explores the scenarios from different perspectives.
I'm going to check out the other titles in this series, which explores the scenarios from different perspectives.
July 24, 2025
Would be great as a read aloud or for starting a conversation about bullying. Part of a 3 book series. This book is from the by stander’s point of view.
January 3, 2019
Didn't like this as much as the first one, but I think it definitely provides insight into what causes some kids to be bystanders in a bullying situation. I read the first book in this series ("Weird") to several upper-grade classes last year when I collaborated with our school counselors during "Kindness Week" and I think students would benefit from hearing Luisa's story from this different perspective.
March 13, 2023
Bullying at school is given a realistic look in this story of a bystander who is being pressured to become a bully herself, even though she knows it is wrong. These books are both relatable for kids and good conversation starters for parents and teachers.
August 12, 2018
Great story.
December 6, 2018
This story is told through a bystanders perspective of bullying. It will help students understand that bullying is not okay and they should help a peer if they are being bullied.
May 31, 2019
About being a bystander during bullying.
Helps people think through what they can do and what others must be feeling.
Helps people think through what they can do and what others must be feeling.
April 21, 2020
Loved this book and the different perspectives of bullying all working together in the three book series. My school age daughter really connected with it and loves to read it.
May 23, 2022
I used this series for classroom guidance lessons on bullying. Good discussion starters.
November 11, 2023
Very good, short, & easy read. I think it should be able to resonate with kids to learn from, esp if discussed with a parent/adult.
February 28, 2017
This is a part of a series of books that were released to show the different perspectives of bullying. The story I reviewed last week was from the perspective of the bully and this week I read from the perspective of a bystander. This book does an excellent job of tying in the narrative of the bully and ascribing her actions/behavior as mean but not irredeemable. In the case of the bystander this story has shown how guilty a child might feel for not doing anything. It also shows how the protagonist has validated fears that she will get bullied too if she speaks up. The main character has a history of being bullied and the story gave some examples of how both she (and the girl who was being bullied) had been bullied in the past. This is a good tool for kids to identify the ways that kids can get picked on-- especially the way girls can get picked on. Traditional ideas of bullying have a lot to do with verbal or physical assault, but often it's smaller more frequently made comments that students experience.
I read this book with some 4th/5th grade girls, and after discussing not only the ways to tackle bullying but also how to identify bullying, they were able to relate back stories of their own. This could be a really great ice breaker for groups experiencing problems interacting positively with one another. This could also be a great resource for positively confronting bullying behavior. Once again, I want to commend these books for showing how to address bullying positively and realistically. I think that it is important to remember that EVERYONE can be a change-maker.
I read this book with some 4th/5th grade girls, and after discussing not only the ways to tackle bullying but also how to identify bullying, they were able to relate back stories of their own. This could be a really great ice breaker for groups experiencing problems interacting positively with one another. This could also be a great resource for positively confronting bullying behavior. Once again, I want to commend these books for showing how to address bullying positively and realistically. I think that it is important to remember that EVERYONE can be a change-maker.
September 3, 2014
The WEIRD! series relates a common bullying situation from three different perspectives: WEIRD! is from the viewpoint of the bully's target(Luisa); DARE! is from that of the bystander(Jayla); and TOUGH! is from the perspective of the bully, herself(Sam).
The bully situation, itself, is absolutely believable. Sam continually calls Jayla names and puts down how she dresses and the things she likes. When Sam switches her attention to Luisa, calling her "Weird!," and making snide comments about her polka-dot boots, bubbly personality and greeting her father enthusiastically in Spanish, Jayla is relieved not to be Sam's main target. This causes her to stand back and not say anything when Sam torments Luisa in that way she used to focus on Jayla. At first Luisa tries to ignore Sam's behavior. Eventually, though, she begins to feel worn down by the unkindness, doubt herself and give up the things she enjoys.
Predictably--and necessarily for teaching purposes-- Jayla finds the courage to openly support Luisa, Luisa finds the confidence to be true to who she is and Sam begins to consider the idea that she doesn't need to put others down in order to feel confident about herself.
The storyline is thin and not particularly engaging. It's reminiscent of the short, bland vignettes you find as examples of conversation in second language textbooks. The strength of the WEIRD! series--and it is considerable--is in the brilliant teaching activities which follow each story.
Each book finishes with the main characters listing important points she has realized during the story using the acronym of her own title: Luisa uses the letters from WEIRD; Jayla from DARE; and Sam from TOUGH. This is a fantastically effective way to help young people recall and discuss the most important points from the story.
Following this each character also has a special "club" which young readers are invited to "join": Luisa's Confidence Club, Jayla's Courage Club; and Sam's Kindness Club. Each club lists different strategies for courage and confidence as well as several activities which then reinforce them.
The series narrative will be best received by primary grades but the strategies and interactive activities are applicable and adaptable across the entire age range of elementary schools. The WEIRD! series is well worth your reading investment as a parent, teacher, or young person looking for ways to deal with a difficult situation.
The bully situation, itself, is absolutely believable. Sam continually calls Jayla names and puts down how she dresses and the things she likes. When Sam switches her attention to Luisa, calling her "Weird!," and making snide comments about her polka-dot boots, bubbly personality and greeting her father enthusiastically in Spanish, Jayla is relieved not to be Sam's main target. This causes her to stand back and not say anything when Sam torments Luisa in that way she used to focus on Jayla. At first Luisa tries to ignore Sam's behavior. Eventually, though, she begins to feel worn down by the unkindness, doubt herself and give up the things she enjoys.
Predictably--and necessarily for teaching purposes-- Jayla finds the courage to openly support Luisa, Luisa finds the confidence to be true to who she is and Sam begins to consider the idea that she doesn't need to put others down in order to feel confident about herself.
The storyline is thin and not particularly engaging. It's reminiscent of the short, bland vignettes you find as examples of conversation in second language textbooks. The strength of the WEIRD! series--and it is considerable--is in the brilliant teaching activities which follow each story.
Each book finishes with the main characters listing important points she has realized during the story using the acronym of her own title: Luisa uses the letters from WEIRD; Jayla from DARE; and Sam from TOUGH. This is a fantastically effective way to help young people recall and discuss the most important points from the story.
Following this each character also has a special "club" which young readers are invited to "join": Luisa's Confidence Club, Jayla's Courage Club; and Sam's Kindness Club. Each club lists different strategies for courage and confidence as well as several activities which then reinforce them.
The series narrative will be best received by primary grades but the strategies and interactive activities are applicable and adaptable across the entire age range of elementary schools. The WEIRD! series is well worth your reading investment as a parent, teacher, or young person looking for ways to deal with a difficult situation.
September 27, 2013
These books are a great resource for any school. There are many books about bullying available but what sets these apart from similar stories are the multiple viewpoints comprehensive and detailed section of activities and suggestions at the end of each story. My reviewers (aged 8 and 5) thought that this was great and wanted to try them all out.
The books work well individually but are perhaps best read as a set. The multiple viewpoints provide a valuable perspective on the different backgrounds and motivations of the characters. I felt that 'Dare' was by far the best, as it tackled bystander behaviour perceptively. The protagonist who feels relieved when the bully picks on someone else and then gets sucked into carrying out cruel 'dares' is completely believable and someone many children will be able to relate to. There are multiple aspects of this story to analyse with children and it would be a great discussion starter in any class. 'Weird' was the favourite of my five-year-old, which I think reflects the fact that is a bit simplistic in its portrayal of bullying. It's an engaging story but doesn't really say anything that hasn't been tackled as effectively in other books. I have mixed feelings about 'Tough'. I loved it because it's such an eye-opener for children to see things from the point of view of someone who is seen as irredeemably villainous in the previous books. On the other hand, it's a bit of a missed opportunity. I'd like the writers to have explored the complex power dynamics of bullying among girls, with cliques, exclusion and the allure of popular girls who can alternate between meanness and generosity.
However, despite these minor reservations, these books are highly recommended for educators and parents. The illustrations are beautiful, particularly the expressive characteristion and the judicious use colour.
The books work well individually but are perhaps best read as a set. The multiple viewpoints provide a valuable perspective on the different backgrounds and motivations of the characters. I felt that 'Dare' was by far the best, as it tackled bystander behaviour perceptively. The protagonist who feels relieved when the bully picks on someone else and then gets sucked into carrying out cruel 'dares' is completely believable and someone many children will be able to relate to. There are multiple aspects of this story to analyse with children and it would be a great discussion starter in any class. 'Weird' was the favourite of my five-year-old, which I think reflects the fact that is a bit simplistic in its portrayal of bullying. It's an engaging story but doesn't really say anything that hasn't been tackled as effectively in other books. I have mixed feelings about 'Tough'. I loved it because it's such an eye-opener for children to see things from the point of view of someone who is seen as irredeemably villainous in the previous books. On the other hand, it's a bit of a missed opportunity. I'd like the writers to have explored the complex power dynamics of bullying among girls, with cliques, exclusion and the allure of popular girls who can alternate between meanness and generosity.
However, despite these minor reservations, these books are highly recommended for educators and parents. The illustrations are beautiful, particularly the expressive characteristion and the judicious use colour.
September 21, 2013
This story shows bullying from a bystander's perspective. Jayla was a victim of Sam's bullying, but now Sam has moved on to a new target and Jayla feels relieved. She is also afraid that if she defies Sam and befriends Jayla, then Sam will start bullying her again. Jayla says, "I remember the way it felt when I was bullied, when no one dared to stand up for me. I never thought I would be the one just standing by...This isn't the kind of person I want to be." Once she chooses to be Luisa's friend, she gains confidence in herself and sees that "together, we can all play a part in making things better."
Works well together as a stand-alone, or along with the other two titles Weird and Tough. Recommended by Trudy Ludwig and Dr. Michele Borba, along with Kirkus, School Library Journal and other reviewers. Each book has a glossary of terms, a reminder of what each of the girls learned, an explanation of telling vs. tattling, and notes for adults using the books with children. There is also a downloadable Leader's Guide for the series at http://www.freespirit.com.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Works well together as a stand-alone, or along with the other two titles Weird and Tough. Recommended by Trudy Ludwig and Dr. Michele Borba, along with Kirkus, School Library Journal and other reviewers. Each book has a glossary of terms, a reminder of what each of the girls learned, an explanation of telling vs. tattling, and notes for adults using the books with children. There is also a downloadable Leader's Guide for the series at http://www.freespirit.com.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
May 29, 2016
Katrina Shultis
This book is one of three in the series of books by Erin Frankel called, "The Weird Series". These are great books to start out a anti-bullying campaign or unit in the classroom for any primary grade. "Dare!" is from the viewpoint of the bystander, Jayla. She was the former victim of the bully, Sam, and is now on the outside looking in. One of the quotes from the book which really shows the power that bullying can have in school is from Jayla; "I remember the way it felt when I was bullied, when no one dared to stand up for me. I never thought I would be the one just standing by...This isn't the kind of person I want to be...together, we can all play a part in making things better." Not only does this book talk about the popular topic of bullying, but it speaks to the audience of the bystanders, whom are often gone unnoticed or talked about.
The best way to use this book in the classroom is to read the whole set (Weird!, Dare!, and Tough!). Each one of the books portrays a different point of view, and each one is told in great detail. However, the use of just Dare! is a great way to create discussions, role-play, and story writing on point of view.
This book is one of three in the series of books by Erin Frankel called, "The Weird Series". These are great books to start out a anti-bullying campaign or unit in the classroom for any primary grade. "Dare!" is from the viewpoint of the bystander, Jayla. She was the former victim of the bully, Sam, and is now on the outside looking in. One of the quotes from the book which really shows the power that bullying can have in school is from Jayla; "I remember the way it felt when I was bullied, when no one dared to stand up for me. I never thought I would be the one just standing by...This isn't the kind of person I want to be...together, we can all play a part in making things better." Not only does this book talk about the popular topic of bullying, but it speaks to the audience of the bystanders, whom are often gone unnoticed or talked about.
The best way to use this book in the classroom is to read the whole set (Weird!, Dare!, and Tough!). Each one of the books portrays a different point of view, and each one is told in great detail. However, the use of just Dare! is a great way to create discussions, role-play, and story writing on point of view.
September 1, 2012
*** I received Weird! for free through Goodreads First Reads ***
(They kindly sent this and the last book in the series as well.)
** The Giveaway was Listed By Elena (of Free Spirit) **
* I received my copy on Sat, Sept 01 2012 *
THANK YOU GOODREADS FIRST READS AND ELENA!
Second book in the Weird Trilogy for kids, this picture book is told from the point of view of a witness to another person being bullied at school. It goes through why she is just standing by, how she gets pulled into bullying as well, how that makes her feel, and what she does about it. It also covers options kids have to help when they see someone being bullied.
Bullying is a topic I feel very strongly about and as such, I look forward to sharing this series with my kids. I think this is a series all parents and teachers could use to approach the subject of bullying with their kids or students.
(They kindly sent this and the last book in the series as well.)
** The Giveaway was Listed By Elena (of Free Spirit) **
* I received my copy on Sat, Sept 01 2012 *
THANK YOU GOODREADS FIRST READS AND ELENA!
Second book in the Weird Trilogy for kids, this picture book is told from the point of view of a witness to another person being bullied at school. It goes through why she is just standing by, how she gets pulled into bullying as well, how that makes her feel, and what she does about it. It also covers options kids have to help when they see someone being bullied.
Bullying is a topic I feel very strongly about and as such, I look forward to sharing this series with my kids. I think this is a series all parents and teachers could use to approach the subject of bullying with their kids or students.
September 30, 2013
I think this book is such a great resource for kids to have. My daughter just started kindergarten so having the opportunity to review this book could not have come at a better time. This book's main character is Jayla. She used to be bullied at school by a girl named Sam. When Sam turns her teasing attention from Jayla to Luisa for a while Jayla is relieved but then she starts to feel bad for Luisa. She talks about how it's scary but she needs to Dare to stand up for Luisa because she knows how it feels to be bullied.
I like that the end of the book has a bunch of good discussion questions and material to go over with your children. They have really come in handy for my daughter and I. I read this book out of order, as it's the second book in the series but I don't think that matters. I am happy to have the other books in this series and will definitely be reading them with my daughter soon.
I like that the end of the book has a bunch of good discussion questions and material to go over with your children. They have really come in handy for my daughter and I. I read this book out of order, as it's the second book in the series but I don't think that matters. I am happy to have the other books in this series and will definitely be reading them with my daughter soon.
November 11, 2013
Full review is available at my blog:
destinydawnlong.wordpress.com/2013/10...
Excerpt:
Frankel’s voice is a breath of fresh air. She is able to get inside the heads of each girl and narrates in voices that feel fresh, honest, and real. At the same time, she doesn’t sacrifice literary style–the language is thoughtful and has a natural, easy flow. I was also impressed that each of her main characters are cool and likable in their own way–there are no pathetic outcast whiners or giant ignorant oafs in these books, just three girls with vibrant personalities. And it was great to see that the girls were guided through their issues by competent adults. Too many books leave children to figure out problems on their own, but Frankel recognizes that bullying can be complicated, and sometimes kids need help solving big problems.
destinydawnlong.wordpress.com/2013/10...
Excerpt:
Frankel’s voice is a breath of fresh air. She is able to get inside the heads of each girl and narrates in voices that feel fresh, honest, and real. At the same time, she doesn’t sacrifice literary style–the language is thoughtful and has a natural, easy flow. I was also impressed that each of her main characters are cool and likable in their own way–there are no pathetic outcast whiners or giant ignorant oafs in these books, just three girls with vibrant personalities. And it was great to see that the girls were guided through their issues by competent adults. Too many books leave children to figure out problems on their own, but Frankel recognizes that bullying can be complicated, and sometimes kids need help solving big problems.
October 9, 2016
This is one book of three books focused on 3 perspectives of bullying for elementary students. Dare focuses on the bystander's perspective. It gives really good insightful details as well as suggestions for those students who are bystanders. Good for students in second or third grade through fifth grade. The victim is Latino, the bully is Caucasian, and the bystander is African-American. Every media center in an elementary school should own this series.
Read
February 7, 2014The three-part series (Weird!, Dare! and Tough!) paints a picture of school-age bullying from the perspectives of the bully, the bullied, and the bystander. Each child learns to face her unique challenges with the help of friends and caring adults. This insightful series helps parents and kids
identify bullying behavior and provides tools for breaking the cycle of cruelty.
identify bullying behavior and provides tools for breaking the cycle of cruelty.
July 21, 2016
This is a good book. I like this series by Erin Franel. I will read this to my students.
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book cover is on my Pinterest board and my blog, Michelle Dragalin’s Journey.
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book cover is on my Pinterest board and my blog, Michelle Dragalin’s Journey.
January 13, 2016
This is a very thorough book for children to understand their fears about standing up to a bully, learn methods for combating it personally and in defense of those being bullied. There are 3 more books in this series, all by Frankel with fantastic illustrations by Paul Heaphy.
April 18, 2013
I wish I had had this book when I was a kid. Great series seeing bullying from three points of view.
October 6, 2013
ARC supplied by publisher via NetGalley
May 17, 2014
This is a great series about bullying. Good message.
August 28, 2015
This is one book in a series: each book tells the same story from a different point of view! Looks like a great book to start a discussion about bullying!
September 27, 2015
Need this series for my classroom! Shows the various perspectives of bullying (bully, victim, and bystander... This one is the bystander...) Great resources/strategies in the back... Great message.
January 31, 2016
Check out a lesson to go with the book here: http://mentortextswithpurpose.blogspo...
Read
March 1, 2017This is the last book in the sequence of Tough, Weird, and this one; Dare. This is about a girl named Jayla who used to be bullied by Sam but not is not because Sam has found someone else to pick on. Jayla feels guilty and sad because she's standing by watching this happen to another girl just like it happened to her, and when she was bullied she had wished someone was there to stick up for her. Now this is her chance to stick up for someone. When she finally does she doesn't feel afraid anymore. She feels empowered and sees that she can make a difference in someones life. Jayla realizes that they're all just the same. They all want to have fun.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews