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Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage To Be Who You Are
Lucy has big hair, eats fun foods and is teased by a boy named Ralph at school because she is different. She tries to be brave but she wishes the teasing would stop. What should I do? she asks herself over and over. Lucy’s Papa Gino reminds her to do the right thing and treat people with kindness. So when Ralph gets stuck on the playground and needs help, will Lucy use this chance to teach Ralph a lesson? Or will she have the courage to be true to herself and make the right choice with an act of kindness? Readers of all ages can empathize with Lucy’s brave journey as she sets out to rise above Ralph’s mean words, stay true to herself and build her self-esteem every step of the way. This book comes with a free Reader’s Companion , complete with discussion questions, lesson plans and activities for children to go beyond the book. Download your copy direct from the publisher website. The best book for teaching kindness and confronting bullying. Spaghetti in a Hotdog Bun is perhaps the most beloved book by award-winning author Maria Dismondy. It carries the key message of love, courage and positivity supported by the many advocates of positive parenting solutions. It will sit comfortably on your shelf alongside other books that focus on emotions, confidence and bullying. Like the work of Adir Levy (What Would Danny Do?) and Jacquelyn Stagg (Kindness Starts with You).
32 pages, Hardcover
First published August 11, 2008
582 people are currently reading
4076 people want to read
About the author
Maria Dismondy
23 books131 followersMaria Dismondy is an award-winning children's book author. To find out more about her books and her school/event programs, visit www.mariadismondy.com
From the author...
Born and Raised: In a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, I grew up with red shag carpet, The Smurfs and Cabbage Patch Dolls. In my past time, I played flashlight tag with the neighborhood kids and listened to NKOTB aka The New Kids on The Block.
Family: I am lucky to have a large family. I have an older sister, Angela, who also ate spaghetti in a hot dog bun (among other crazy concoctions my mom created for us) growing up. I am married to the coolest guy ever and together, we are raising our baby girl Ruby.
Education: There’s a ton of rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State (are you a maize and blue or green and white fan?) I have to admit, I started going to U of M then happily switched over to Michigan State. I went to college for six years, earning my undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, curriculum and research.
Hobbies and Interests: If there’s something I want to try, I don’t hold back! I have more hobbies than I have hours in the day. My latest and greatest is learning to photography. I wake up each morning, eager to live a full and exciting life, while inspiring and giving back to those around me.
Likes: Salt and vinegar chips, french fries, barbeque sauce, reading, coffee, photography, music (playing the piano), free time, scrapbooking, sunshine, the lake, my family, and my mac book.
Dislikes: angry people, cloudy days, cold french fries, complaints, Folgers coffee, a messy house, a full laundry basket and Open Pit BBQ sauce.
Favorite book as a child: Frances Books by Russell Hoban and Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls.
Favorite book as an adult: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (I’m a fan for the love stories).
From the author...
Born and Raised: In a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, I grew up with red shag carpet, The Smurfs and Cabbage Patch Dolls. In my past time, I played flashlight tag with the neighborhood kids and listened to NKOTB aka The New Kids on The Block.
Family: I am lucky to have a large family. I have an older sister, Angela, who also ate spaghetti in a hot dog bun (among other crazy concoctions my mom created for us) growing up. I am married to the coolest guy ever and together, we are raising our baby girl Ruby.
Education: There’s a ton of rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State (are you a maize and blue or green and white fan?) I have to admit, I started going to U of M then happily switched over to Michigan State. I went to college for six years, earning my undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, curriculum and research.
Hobbies and Interests: If there’s something I want to try, I don’t hold back! I have more hobbies than I have hours in the day. My latest and greatest is learning to photography. I wake up each morning, eager to live a full and exciting life, while inspiring and giving back to those around me.
Likes: Salt and vinegar chips, french fries, barbeque sauce, reading, coffee, photography, music (playing the piano), free time, scrapbooking, sunshine, the lake, my family, and my mac book.
Dislikes: angry people, cloudy days, cold french fries, complaints, Folgers coffee, a messy house, a full laundry basket and Open Pit BBQ sauce.
Favorite book as a child: Frances Books by Russell Hoban and Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls.
Favorite book as an adult: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (I’m a fan for the love stories).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
January 21, 2015
Great story about bullying, sticking up for yourself and being proud of differences and who you are. Loved the rules to live by at the end :)
Read
February 4, 2019I am the author of this book and I love reading it to children. It's important to spread this message to children at a young age.
April 30, 2015
I love this book
My name is Jennifer Bisignano and I am a children's author myself. I love this book because it promotes self awareness
My name is Jennifer Bisignano and I am a children's author myself. I love this book because it promotes self awareness
January 25, 2026
🍼 👶🏼 Cereal for breakfast, 🥣 🥄
😋 🥤 Club sandwich for lunch 🥗 🍅 🥪 🍏
Are you ready for Spaghetti in a hot dog bun. 🍝🌭
😋 🥤 Club sandwich for lunch 🥗 🍅 🥪 🍏
Are you ready for Spaghetti in a hot dog bun. 🍝🌭
October 18, 2016
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cXWr...
Synthesis:
Lucy eats her spaghetti on a hot dog bun, the way that Papa Gino makes it for her. He tells her that everyone is different, but that is what makes life exciting! “Even if we are different on the outside, we each have a heart with feelings on the inside.” When Lucy goes to school, she is continually picked on by a boy named Ralph who thinks it’s gross to eat spaghetti that way and makes fun of Lucy’s curly hair. One day when Ralph is stuck on the playground, Lucy decides that she should help him instead of being mean back. He draws her a nice picture as if to say he was sorry for treating her poorly.
Use of Text in the Classroom:
This is another great story to use at the beginning of the school year. It teaches everyone about their differences, but to embrace them instead of being mean to someone about them. It will help students have the courage to stick up for themselves and be proud of who they are, no matter if another person doesn’t seem to like it at first. This story can also be used to show how harmful bullying can be by how sad it makes Lucy. There is the important message of “bullying stops with me” because Lucy decided to not be mean back to Ralph, breaking the cycle. This is a wonderful book to build classroom community, especially among a diverse group of students.
This is a WOW Book Because
This is a WOW book for me because there are so many students from different backgrounds and different learning levels and capabilities in my placement classroom. This would be a wonderful book for them to read to help them all understand why they are all different. Some people may need one thing, and others another. In the end though, we “all have a heart with feelings”. This phrase makes this book a WOW book for me because it is a phrase a teacher could use throughout the year to get the students to think about their actions. By saying that, the students will think of this book and the lesson they learned from it, and hopefully be able to be courageous and make the right decision in friendship and fairness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cXWr...
Synthesis:
Lucy eats her spaghetti on a hot dog bun, the way that Papa Gino makes it for her. He tells her that everyone is different, but that is what makes life exciting! “Even if we are different on the outside, we each have a heart with feelings on the inside.” When Lucy goes to school, she is continually picked on by a boy named Ralph who thinks it’s gross to eat spaghetti that way and makes fun of Lucy’s curly hair. One day when Ralph is stuck on the playground, Lucy decides that she should help him instead of being mean back. He draws her a nice picture as if to say he was sorry for treating her poorly.
Use of Text in the Classroom:
This is another great story to use at the beginning of the school year. It teaches everyone about their differences, but to embrace them instead of being mean to someone about them. It will help students have the courage to stick up for themselves and be proud of who they are, no matter if another person doesn’t seem to like it at first. This story can also be used to show how harmful bullying can be by how sad it makes Lucy. There is the important message of “bullying stops with me” because Lucy decided to not be mean back to Ralph, breaking the cycle. This is a wonderful book to build classroom community, especially among a diverse group of students.
This is a WOW Book Because
This is a WOW book for me because there are so many students from different backgrounds and different learning levels and capabilities in my placement classroom. This would be a wonderful book for them to read to help them all understand why they are all different. Some people may need one thing, and others another. In the end though, we “all have a heart with feelings”. This phrase makes this book a WOW book for me because it is a phrase a teacher could use throughout the year to get the students to think about their actions. By saying that, the students will think of this book and the lesson they learned from it, and hopefully be able to be courageous and make the right decision in friendship and fairness.
June 5, 2011
The best inspirational books don't need to include the fact that they're an inspirational book in the title. I'll admit, I really liked the cover design of this book, but as soon as I read closer and saw "Having the Courage to Be Who You Are," I groaned.
But you know I support fellow Michiganders (especially one who admits she happily transfered from Michigan to Michigan State), so I hunkered down to read the book.
I'm a sucker for a book that doesn't finish on a perfect note -- I loved that Lucy and her tormentor Ralph didn't become best friends, and there wasn't a huge public display of them making up, because in my experience that just doesn't happen. Lucy's wild hair was great and made me smile, and I feel like a lot of mykids would appreciate that she looks quite a bit like many of them.
Overall, an OK story with a lesson, just be wary of overdoing the message when you share it.
But you know I support fellow Michiganders (especially one who admits she happily transfered from Michigan to Michigan State), so I hunkered down to read the book.
I'm a sucker for a book that doesn't finish on a perfect note -- I loved that Lucy and her tormentor Ralph didn't become best friends, and there wasn't a huge public display of them making up, because in my experience that just doesn't happen. Lucy's wild hair was great and made me smile, and I feel like a lot of mykids would appreciate that she looks quite a bit like many of them.
Overall, an OK story with a lesson, just be wary of overdoing the message when you share it.
January 28, 2020
This book showed the true meaning behind overcoming negative interactions. The character Lucy none stopped was teased and made fun of by Ralph. She did not retaliate in a rude manner but she did the exact opposite. She helped him when he was in need. This book was an excellent example to show children that you don’t always have to react in the same manner than was presented towards you. It is always better to rise up and show gratitude and appreciation towards any situation, positive or negative. This book is an excellent read!
September 3, 2014
This is a touching story about a girl called Lucy who lived with her grandfather, Papa Gino. Papa Gino encouraged Lucy to be different and told her that everyone does not have to like the same things. He reminded her that 'Even if we are different from others on the outside, we all have a heart with feelings on the inside' and asked her to always treat others with love and kindness.
While Lucy is at school, one of her classmates, Ralph made fun of her hair and called her a poodle. He continued to pick on her at lunchtime when he made fun of her food by shouting 'Yuck. That's the disgusting smell. Who ever heard of eating spaghetti in a hot dog bun?' This upset Lucy and she began to cry.
Lucy thought about her day on the way home and wondered if Ralph was being mean to her because he thought that being different was a bad thing and she wished that he would stop teasing her. Lucy found it hard to sleep that night as she worried about Ralph and how he would treat her the next day at school.
The next day, Ralph continued to be mean to Lucy and made fun of her in front of the whole class. She played alone at break time and didn't want to tell the teacher about anything as she was afraid of being called a tattletale. At playtime, Ralph got stuck at the top of the monkey bars and all the children laughed. Lucy was very angry with him and decided that she would tell him how mean she thought he was.
At this point, she saw that Ralph had tears in his eyes and was scared and she suddenly remembered Papa Gino's words about being kind to others. She decided to help Ralph down from the monkey bars. On the bus ride home, Ralph drew Lucy a nice picture to thank her for helping him. When she got home, She told Papa Gino all about what had happened and he was so proud of her for listening to what he had told her about treating others the way you want to be treated.
This book is aimed at children aged 5+. It is a great story to use to discuss bullying. The book also teaches several lessons for children - being different is okay, treating others the way you would like to be treated and how to deal with being bullied. It teaches children to respect each other's differences. I think that this would be a good book to read aloud to a key stage 1 class to encourage positive behaviour and also to have on a classroom shelf for independent reading.
While Lucy is at school, one of her classmates, Ralph made fun of her hair and called her a poodle. He continued to pick on her at lunchtime when he made fun of her food by shouting 'Yuck. That's the disgusting smell. Who ever heard of eating spaghetti in a hot dog bun?' This upset Lucy and she began to cry.
Lucy thought about her day on the way home and wondered if Ralph was being mean to her because he thought that being different was a bad thing and she wished that he would stop teasing her. Lucy found it hard to sleep that night as she worried about Ralph and how he would treat her the next day at school.
The next day, Ralph continued to be mean to Lucy and made fun of her in front of the whole class. She played alone at break time and didn't want to tell the teacher about anything as she was afraid of being called a tattletale. At playtime, Ralph got stuck at the top of the monkey bars and all the children laughed. Lucy was very angry with him and decided that she would tell him how mean she thought he was.
At this point, she saw that Ralph had tears in his eyes and was scared and she suddenly remembered Papa Gino's words about being kind to others. She decided to help Ralph down from the monkey bars. On the bus ride home, Ralph drew Lucy a nice picture to thank her for helping him. When she got home, She told Papa Gino all about what had happened and he was so proud of her for listening to what he had told her about treating others the way you want to be treated.
This book is aimed at children aged 5+. It is a great story to use to discuss bullying. The book also teaches several lessons for children - being different is okay, treating others the way you would like to be treated and how to deal with being bullied. It teaches children to respect each other's differences. I think that this would be a good book to read aloud to a key stage 1 class to encourage positive behaviour and also to have on a classroom shelf for independent reading.
March 28, 2013
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun uses an endearing little girl to teach a powerful lesson. She is bullied for being different but when she has the chance to bully someone back she remembers that everyone has a heart. This book is for children age five and up. It is very realistic because everyone has qualties that make them different from others and sometimes that results in being bullied. I think all children can connect with this book because it will teach them to embrace being different.
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April 24, 2013This story is particularly useful for my text set because it emphasizes the need to be respectful for moral reasons. This is an important lesson to teach because students may overlook this aspect in favor of only treating others nicely in order to get something in return. Although that is one possible benefit, it should not be the focus since that would also allow mistreating people who do not have anything to offer in return.
July 16, 2014
To be yourself takes courage. Even when you have it, some people will try to bring you down by whatever means they deem necessary. Kling to your courage and stay true to who you are !
I prefer Spaghetti in a butter bread sandwich, However I can relate to Lucy with her "hair so poofy". I think she is a great character and many young girls will relate to her.
I loved the illustrations in this book.
I prefer Spaghetti in a butter bread sandwich, However I can relate to Lucy with her "hair so poofy". I think she is a great character and many young girls will relate to her.
I loved the illustrations in this book.
April 12, 2012
This book addresses the theme of having the courage to be who are and being comfortable in that identity even though others might feel uncomfortable or feel it necessary to judge. I enjoyed the message it sent because children can receive negativity from many areas so it is great to have this positive message infused into their knowledge base.
Read
July 10, 2015This is a book on bullying, but it is a different kind of book. What it encourages the children to do is the right thing. What is the right thing to do befriend a bully. Instead of it feeling like a negative experience it encourages the children to have a positive experience on what can happen when you do the right thing. I encourage this book at all ages.
September 8, 2017
8.Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Are Written by Maria Dismondy Illustrations by Kim Shaw
Cardinal Rule Press: Reprint 2017
Ages: 4-11 USA Grades: Kindergarten – Grade 5
Lucy has unique tastes in food. She loves spaghetti in a hot dog bun. Although most of Lucy’s peers are friendly towards her, Ralph is not. He calls her names and torments her.
Lucy’s theory is that Ralph thinks that “different is bad”. What will Lucy do when Ralph is in a bind?
Awards/Recognition(s): Gold Mom’s Choice Award®, Award-Winning Author, One of Amazon’s #1 Bestselling books
(My blog has a post 10 Incredible Individuals & 2 Math Activities Pre-K- Grade 5
Cardinal Rule Press: Reprint 2017
Ages: 4-11 USA Grades: Kindergarten – Grade 5
Lucy has unique tastes in food. She loves spaghetti in a hot dog bun. Although most of Lucy’s peers are friendly towards her, Ralph is not. He calls her names and torments her.
Lucy’s theory is that Ralph thinks that “different is bad”. What will Lucy do when Ralph is in a bind?
Awards/Recognition(s): Gold Mom’s Choice Award®, Award-Winning Author, One of Amazon’s #1 Bestselling books
(My blog has a post 10 Incredible Individuals & 2 Math Activities Pre-K- Grade 5
December 1, 2017
A good story about being different and standing up to people who are being mean.
June 26, 2018
Kindness
A very sweet book with a wonderful message about treating people the way you want to be treated. Wonderful illustrations
A very sweet book with a wonderful message about treating people the way you want to be treated. Wonderful illustrations
January 21, 2020
This book is really amazing! It describes life as a child who isn’t necessarily normal and the hardships and struggles were relatable!
June 10, 2018
Lucy celebrates the differences in herself in others, but not everyone in her life does. I appreciate that the author allows Lucy to both stand up for herself and exhibit compassion. That’s unusual in girl protagonists, though obviously not in girls.
June 22, 2018
Great, inspiring book!
Awesome story I love the happy ending 😝 spaghetti in a hot dog bun does sound good!😀(must read this book) Ava T (10)
Awesome story I love the happy ending 😝 spaghetti in a hot dog bun does sound good!😀(must read this book) Ava T (10)
May 26, 2018
From a 6 year old
I liked when Lucy helped Ralph get down from the monkey bars even though he was mean to Lucy.
I did not like that Ralph was so mean.
I think spaghetti in a hot dog bun would be a good lunch.
I liked when Lucy helped Ralph get down from the monkey bars even though he was mean to Lucy.
I did not like that Ralph was so mean.
I think spaghetti in a hot dog bun would be a good lunch.
November 22, 2017
Summary: Lucy is a one of a kind and a kid at school named Ralph loves to point it out. Lucy has courage to make a good choice when Ralph needs help
Mentor writing trait: this story has a few writing traits. The main one is ideas. This story has a great message to have courage and make good choices.
Presentation: the physical appearance of the pictures are great – they really tell the story and what it looks like.
Classroom integration: this story is about courage and to make good choices. This story empowers children to be themselves and be proud of it. It shows to do the right thing and be proud of doing it. This would be great to read to younger elementary students and have them think of a time when they were in a similar situation just like Lucy.
Reading Level: 3.3
Mentor writing trait: this story has a few writing traits. The main one is ideas. This story has a great message to have courage and make good choices.
Presentation: the physical appearance of the pictures are great – they really tell the story and what it looks like.
Classroom integration: this story is about courage and to make good choices. This story empowers children to be themselves and be proud of it. It shows to do the right thing and be proud of doing it. This would be great to read to younger elementary students and have them think of a time when they were in a similar situation just like Lucy.
Reading Level: 3.3
October 8, 2011
This is a great book to use with children to teach them about bullying. The main character in this story has to deal with a bully at school and she has to decide if she is going to be nice to him or be mean to him back. Children can learn the importance of making the correct decision even if it may be difficult. I enjoyed that the reader could read the thoughts of the main character and see how she makes her decision in the end.
October 8, 2012
I loved this book and my kids did as well. The book is beautifully illustrated and teaches several lessons. You can use this book to discuss bullying, treating others the way you would like to be treated, and how to be a good friend. This book teaches that it is ok to be different and that being unique is OK. Great book for school counselors to have on their bookshelf to use for classroom lessons or individually with a child.
April 25, 2013
Read this book for a class on child and adolescent counseling. This is a beautiful little story that can teach children that you don't have to become a bully to protect yourself just because you are being or have been bullied; instead you can choose to be kind and not vengeful or spiteful. This would be a great book for educators, or for counselors who work with small groups of kids or individual kids who struggle with bullying.
June 22, 2014
Simple and lovely story
Simple and lovely story
A quick and easy read with a great message. Great for an elementary teacher, counselor, or parent to use when teaching a lesson about standing up for yourself when you are bullied, but doing it in a way that promotes self respect and kindness- even to the bully.
Simple and lovely story
A quick and easy read with a great message. Great for an elementary teacher, counselor, or parent to use when teaching a lesson about standing up for yourself when you are bullied, but doing it in a way that promotes self respect and kindness- even to the bully.
July 22, 2015
This book is a delightful book with sweet illustrations. Lucy goes to school and gets made fun of by a classmate named Ralph until one day when Ralph gets stuck on top of the monkey bars. She helps him down, and from then on, they become friends. This would be a wonderful book to use when teaching about friendship or bullying.
April 15, 2012
This is the story of Lucy, who is a bit different. She is being picked on by a boy named Ralph. This story is super cute and it teaches students the importance of being yourself! I would use this book on the first day of school to teach students about bullying as well.
March 17, 2020
I think it has a good message, but I also do not like there was not a sincere change in the bully. Yes she was nice to him, but I do not want to teach my students to be doormats. They deserve a genuine apology, and there should be a genuine change in the bully.
June 19, 2012
We read this in class tonight, and it's a very cute book about bullying, sticking up for yourself, and doing what's right. Plus, I love the art.
June 23, 2015
Wonderful book to read to your child's class about being nice and watching what you say.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews