"This has to be one of the most creative children books I have ever read. It teaches lessons, but they are so discreet that the child does not even know they are being taught good lesson. It gives insights on bullying. It also gives insights on how to get to safety in a fire.
Lisa Head is one highly unique writer. I hope to see them write many more books. I also hope to see many teachers include this book in their lesson plans. I think it would be very beneficial to all third grade students.
All the characters were wonderful additions to the dialogue of the book. I hate when books forget to get into some of the personalities of the other characters besides the main. This book was not like that. They made sure that every character in the book had a personality of their own, yet still managed to coincide with the main character." - M. Redbird
A great lesson in overcoming bullying
"Upon completion of the book I allowed my nine year old to read it and she loved the story. She said she would have liked to learn more about the characters and how they overcame their problems, but she is now reading the story again. I believe that when writing for this age of children you must provide a message that makes a difference and a story that is interesting and educational. This book accomplishes all of these things and I believe that it should be a must read for kids in elementary education." - K. Schepper
Things Aren't Always What They Seem
"It seems like these two will continue to be at odds; but, when a life-threatening situation happens these two boys come together to save each other. Proving that sometimes it just takes a few questions to find out that a bully and his victim really aren't that different. This book is perfect for your grade-schooler - read it to them in bed or let them enjoy it on their own. You will hear them laugh out loud, hear them gasp when Calbert and Ernie are in danger, and have them thinking more about bullying. They will learn that sometimes what they see isn't always the whole story." - J. Boyte
With Courage and Determination Calbert Faces the Bully
"Following the actions and feelings of Calbert, the main character, and Ernie, the antagonizing bully comprises the narrative of this children' s book. Since the main characters of the book are in third grade, the book should appeal to third grade age level children or even higher grades. It is a book about elementary age boys, so that it should appeal to elementary age readers and listeners.
The characters of interest are a third grade bully named Ernie who finds it compelling and fascinating to pick on the main character of the book whose name is Calbert. Calbert finds solace in an imagined world of cowboy impersonations. The towering presence of cowboy action provides satisfaction and a feeling of power over the stresses and strains of everyday victimization.
The climax of the book draws the main characters of Calbert, and Ernie together in a drama that is to unite the boys forever. The reasons and rationale for the abuse Ernie acts out comes full circle in a dramatic confession of his feelings. Forgiveness by Calbert, and acts of redemption are brought to light in a turbulent ending scene. Fortunately, the healing act of play in the form of cowboy camaraderie and bonding mends the minds, lives, and hearts forever of Ernie and Calbert." - S.M.A Nice Book on Handling Bullying
"Throughout the course of the book, Calbert discovers through his best friend that the bully Ernie suffers the constant displeasure and poor treatment of his stepfather. Later, as Calbert gets to know him, the bully reveals that his dad died and his stepfather dislikes the boy because of his resemblance to Ernie's father. I appreciated these details about Ernie's personal life because they teach kids that there is always more to the story. It shows that bullies usually struggle with serious issues in their personal lives that cause them to pick on others. This is important in helping children learn how to be compassionate with their enemies.
I also really liked that the book touched on what can often be another tough issue: adoption. Calbert and his brothers are adopted, and in one part of the book he is bullied because of it. The author does a fantastic job of handling this, explaining adoption beautifully. In one comical instance, Calbert says he feels sorry for parents who don't adopt because they are "stuck with what they get." -Kathleen
Calbert and an Unconventional Way to Deal with a Bully
"What's very valuable about this book for children in similar situations is that Calbert does not hold grudges. He has adjusted well to his adopted life with his new mother that's a teacher and his brothers. He also realizes that Ernie also needs to feel cared about and finds a way to connect with him, despite their past and through a potentially-tragic situation. Calbert finds the solution to his own problem, making Calbert the Third Grade Cowboy-Facing the Bully a valuable tool to connect kids to their own situations through literature and to use literature to find solutions and heal.
Head maintains a positive tone throughout her book and keeps attitudes and ideas age-appropriate. I would recommend Calbert the Third Grade Cowboy-Facing the Bully to children in elementary school because it is both entertaining and about life-changing teachable moments" -K. Sosa
Amazingly Wonderful
"Calbert the Third-Grade Cowboy is an amazingly, wonderful children's story about bullying. It looks at bullying from both perspectives- the bully and the victim and by doing so, it brings good insight for the young reader about how to master this critical developmental issue." -Jill U.
Children 3+ will enjoy this book!
"Read this book out loud to a 3,5,9 and 12 year old. The 3 year old begged for me to read it to her everyday. We finished the book in 3 days and all the kiddos really enjoyed it! The 12 year old missed out on the ending so she is re-reading the book on her own and loves it. I would highly recommend! Easy read and terrific story line! Waiting to see more titles from this author!" -Nicole (mother of 3)
Excellent Book!
"The book is an excellent teaching tool for all schools and parents. You can tell Lisa Head knows what she is talking about. Her experience with kids has made her the perfect author of this fine book. I would highly recommend this book!" -J. Farthing
Awesome
"What a wonderfully written story! Kids reading this will be exposed to different ways to think about bullies in their lives and how to handle difficult or scary situations. Also loved the fact that God was brought into the storyline. An excellent read for the kiddies!" -S. Gobel
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