2 days ago
Anti bullying book sending the message to be kind
DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local woman is making it her mission to spread kindness one book at a time.
The anti-bullying book, Be A Buddy, Not a Bully, was inspired by a true story. The book is a short read with a simple message: be kind.
The local author has been working diligently to spread that message far and wide.
Maria Piccolino from Scranton speaks to the 4th-grade class at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel in Dunmore about the importance of being kind, the main message of her new book. Be A Buddy, Not a Bully.
'It follows a girl, Mia, at school, and she's having issues with people picking on her goes through kids picking on her from day one, and boys sticking up for her, and then at the end they all become friends,' said Author Maria Piccolino.
Piccolino, an investment firm executive, was inspired to put pen to paper following a real-life tragedy that touched her deeply.
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'The basis of the book was a coworker's friend's daughter, who unfortunately died at the age of ten in Virginia, committed suicide because of relentless bullying at school. Once I saw that, I just had to do something,' said Piccolino.
Since the book's release, Maria has been tirelessly sharing its message, visiting school after school, to ensure as many kids as possible get a copy.
'My goal is to make the world a kinder place,' said Piccolino.
The school encourages kindness not only in the classroom but also on social media, promoting respect and empathy both online and offline.
'Being kind continues when they go home, Snap Chatting with each other or in group chats, sometimes they're not so kind there, that doesn't go away, the text it's there, it's in the cloud, the message stays,' said Maryelizabeth Shattin, principal of Saint Mary of Mount Carmel School.
As for Maria's message, it seemed to resonate deeply with students.
'I like that it helps kids to understand what it's like to be bullied, so if they're bullying somebody, if maybe they feel what it's like they would stop,' said fourth grader Sienna Piccolino.
'When you're not kind, it hurts you, it hurts them, it hurts everyone, and the more you do it, the more it hurts, so if you don't resolve the problem, you may never get another chance,' said fourth grader Tyler Malinchak.
The final pages of the book include a reflection section, a pledge to be kind, and activities for kids to jot down the acts of kindness they perform.
Private donations have made it possible for Maria to distribute her book.
If you would like to purchase books for your school or organization, you can email
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