Self Defender

Self Defender was written by Jane West and illustrated by Lee Wildish. The genre of the book is realistic fiction. The primary and secondary characters of the book are Tess, Mandy, Val, and Ellie. The theme of the book is treat others the way you want to be treated. Self defender was published in 2006 by Stone Arch. The book has not received any awards.

Self Defender is about a new girl in school, Tess. Mandy and Val offer to show Tess around her new school and they quickly become friends. Ellie, the school bully, decides she does not like Tess. Tess begins taking a self defense class and becomes very good! Ellie doesn't stop bullying Tess, but Tess is not afraid of her anyway. When Ellie tries to hurt Tess, Tess is able to get away and embarrasses Ellie which teaches her a lesson.
I would use this book as part of my classroom library. Middle elementary students would be able to easily read this book and relate to the characters.  The book would also help students be aware that bullying is not a good thing to do.