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Noni #3
Noni Speaks Up
Noni always tries to do the right thing. But she doesn't know how to help her classmate Hector, who is constantly bullied for his name, his size and his giant glasses. Noni stands by silently, afraid that the kids will turn on her if she speaks up. Yet "doing nothing" doesn't feel very good. Will Noni be brave enough to take matters into her own hands?
Heather Hartt-Sussman's charming story, complemented by the playful, expressive illustrations of Geneviève Côté, is a heartwarming exploration of conquering fear and finding the courage to help others.
Heather Hartt-Sussman's charming story, complemented by the playful, expressive illustrations of Geneviève Côté, is a heartwarming exploration of conquering fear and finding the courage to help others.
24 pages, Hardcover
First published February 9, 2016
About the author
Heather Hartt-Sussman
9 books11 followersHEATHER HARTT-SUSSMAN, born in Montreal, graduated from Brandeis University and attended the Sorbonne. She has been a copywriter for BCP in Montreal, a reporter for the Hollywood Reporter, editor-in-chief of international news for TV Guide in French Canada, columnist of the popular “Heather Hartt in Hollywood,” and host of E! Entertainment Television’s The Gossip Show. Nana’s Getting Married is her first book. Heather Hartt-Sussman lives in Toronto with her husband, sons Scotty and Jack, and the family dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 10, 2016
'Noni Speaks Up' by Heather Hartt-Sussman with illustrations by Geneviève Côté is about a young girl with a tough choice to make.
When we meet Noni, we see that she is a kind girl who gives up her seat on the bus and opens doors for people. She has a harder time standing up for Hector when he is bullied at school. If she sides with Hector, she might not have anyone to play with and she might not be popular. The decision weighs really heavy on her. Will she make the right choice?
A timely book about speaking up to help others. The theme is bullying which might be a bit old for the intended audience here, but learning these kind of things before school might not be so bad. The illustrations are nice and I was quite taken by Noni's dilemma. I think it makes a point without being preachy.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Random House of Canada Limited, Tundra Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this delightful ebook.
When we meet Noni, we see that she is a kind girl who gives up her seat on the bus and opens doors for people. She has a harder time standing up for Hector when he is bullied at school. If she sides with Hector, she might not have anyone to play with and she might not be popular. The decision weighs really heavy on her. Will she make the right choice?
A timely book about speaking up to help others. The theme is bullying which might be a bit old for the intended audience here, but learning these kind of things before school might not be so bad. The illustrations are nice and I was quite taken by Noni's dilemma. I think it makes a point without being preachy.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Random House of Canada Limited, Tundra Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this delightful ebook.
May 11, 2023
Noni’s friends start bullying Hector. Each time she freezes, unable to help or defend him.
January 11, 2016
http://readjezireread.blogspot.com/20...
I wasn't in love with this book or the writing but the message was definitely something that is important for children. Noni does her best to be a good person. She goes out of her way to be nice, even to strangers,
One day she notices her classmates making fun of a boy named Hector just because he is a little different then them. He is tall and has glasses and they make fun of his name.
Noni spends time thinking about why she didn't say anything to help Hector when she loves helping everyone else.
After giving it some serious thought she stands up for Hector and feels better about helping him and doing the right thing.
The illustrations weren't great and again, not a huge fan of the writing but it was pretty good.
I received this book from netgalley.com and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't in love with this book or the writing but the message was definitely something that is important for children. Noni does her best to be a good person. She goes out of her way to be nice, even to strangers,
One day she notices her classmates making fun of a boy named Hector just because he is a little different then them. He is tall and has glasses and they make fun of his name.
Noni spends time thinking about why she didn't say anything to help Hector when she loves helping everyone else.
After giving it some serious thought she stands up for Hector and feels better about helping him and doing the right thing.
The illustrations weren't great and again, not a huge fan of the writing but it was pretty good.
I received this book from netgalley.com and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2019
I feel like this book is a good book to compliment discussing bullying and injustice. But it could go deeper, be better. Good for discussion, tho. Wish I could give it 3.5 stars.
February 27, 2020
Noni Speaks Up is a children's picture book written by Heather Hartt-Sussman and illustrated by Geneviève Côté. It is a story about standing up to bullies and the courage needed to do it as demonstrated by the main protagonist in Noni. As today is the Pink Shirt Day (26 February), I thought it would be apropos to read this book.
Pink Shirt Day is an anti-bullying day where people wear mainly a pink shirt to symbolize a stand against bullying, an idea that originated in Canada. It is celebrated on the last Wednesday of February in Canada, but International Day of Pink is celebrated on several different days in different countries.
Hartt-Sussman's text is simplistic and straightforward. It presents a realistic scenario and provides accurate, helpful information for dealing with bullying, in an empathic and reassuring manner. Côté's soft collage and watercolor, digitally manipulated, add the right childlike perspective.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. When Noni sees Hector being bullied by other kids at school, and is encouraged by her friends to join in, she is unable to speak up, she is paralyzed by fear of making enemies if she stands up for her schoolmate. Noni feels bad for not defending Hector, but is uncertain about what to do. Eventually, Noni has had enough and screws up the courage to defend Hector.
All in all, Noni Speaks Up is a wonderful children's picture about standing up to bullies, in spite of being afraid of them.
Pink Shirt Day is an anti-bullying day where people wear mainly a pink shirt to symbolize a stand against bullying, an idea that originated in Canada. It is celebrated on the last Wednesday of February in Canada, but International Day of Pink is celebrated on several different days in different countries.
Hartt-Sussman's text is simplistic and straightforward. It presents a realistic scenario and provides accurate, helpful information for dealing with bullying, in an empathic and reassuring manner. Côté's soft collage and watercolor, digitally manipulated, add the right childlike perspective.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. When Noni sees Hector being bullied by other kids at school, and is encouraged by her friends to join in, she is unable to speak up, she is paralyzed by fear of making enemies if she stands up for her schoolmate. Noni feels bad for not defending Hector, but is uncertain about what to do. Eventually, Noni has had enough and screws up the courage to defend Hector.
All in all, Noni Speaks Up is a wonderful children's picture about standing up to bullies, in spite of being afraid of them.
November 20, 2017
Noni Speaks Up is a story about a little girl who always tries to do the wrong thing, but has to be brave as she struggles with what to do about the class bully, Hector. This fiction children's book would be great for teaching students how to be kind and look out for each other, especially if there is a bullying problem. It would be great for students in grades K-2 and could be used in a reading classroom for teaching fluency and accuracy.
May 17, 2017
Album qui aborde la thématique de l'intimidation à l'école primaire. Le conte représente bien les idées qui pourraient survenir chez l'enfant qui hésite à intervenir auprès d'un conflit. Cependant, la morale me paraît un peu bâclé, voire inexistante... J'aurais aimé que l'on développe un peu plus le récit pour montrer aux enfants les avantages de tenir bon contre les brutes à l'école...
February 28, 2019
Noni tries to do the right thing all the time, but when she sees a boy at school getting bullied, she freezes. She knows she should do something, but is afraid if she does, she will also get bullied.
August 28, 2019
Good story about how peer pressure can affect students actions with other students.
She eventually stands up for Hector.
Being brave enough to say something really needs to be taught to all children.
She eventually stands up for Hector.
Being brave enough to say something really needs to be taught to all children.
September 25, 2018
About speaking up when seeing people being bullied. Not too in-depth, but gets the message of speaking up when you see someone being wronged.
March 18, 2019
Good read aloud for talking to kids about being an upstander and a bystander. The end felt too easy.
August 28, 2019
I like how Noni recognizes that she should say something about people bullying. I like how this book is addressing peer pressure at a young age.
June 24, 2020
3.5*
Want to Read
April 17, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
May 3, 2021
Bystander Upstander -- good intro to being an upstander, what a bystander feels like
April 2, 2024
Great book that shows a young girl, Noni, bravely standing up for what she believes in.
December 5, 2025
The book was OK. I liked all the pages. My favourite page was the first page. I think Noni is very great because she is helping other people, and then they become friends. (comments from 4yr old)
January 27, 2016
Noni, a senstive, kind little girl always tries to do the right thing. She gives up her seat on the bus to an elderly lady, she opens a door for a pregnant lady and she gives back loose change to a man who drops it in the bakery. Then one day she freezes... unable to move to help do the right thing. Why?
Hector, a lanky, bespectacled classmate, is the brunt of bullying and Noni finds she is scared and afraid to intervene on his behalf in case the bullies turn on her. Her heart is troubled as she find even she is mocked and taunted about the blouse she is wearing, her choice of food for lunch and her ballerina skills. The kids are mean and laugh at others making them feel humiliated and frightened of the negative peer pressure they are applying.
None goes home and can't sleep she is so upset. She knows these kids are wrong and she doesn't seem to have the courage to stand up and say something to them.
One day in the park she sees Hector being pushed off a swing by a big bully and his glasses fly off his face and bounce across the grass. That's the last straw... that's it... she can't take it any longer. She must do something now! She gets off the park bench she is sitting on and stands up... not only physically but mentally to the intimidating bully and comes to Hector 's aid. She knows it's the right thing to do and she feels a great sense of relief and pride by choosing to intervene on Hector's behalf. He is so very appreciative of her act of bravery to protect him and together they exit the park leaving the bullies stunned and on mute.
The illustrations are crayon-and-watercolour and are a pure delight. Côté has caught the emotions and actions just perfectly. I must confess I love that style of illustrations the best so I'm kind of bias.
This book is a perfect read aloud experience and will open up dialogue about bullying, peer pressure, courage, friendships, empathy, confidence and respect for other and self-respect. I highly recommend this book to add to your collection.
Hector, a lanky, bespectacled classmate, is the brunt of bullying and Noni finds she is scared and afraid to intervene on his behalf in case the bullies turn on her. Her heart is troubled as she find even she is mocked and taunted about the blouse she is wearing, her choice of food for lunch and her ballerina skills. The kids are mean and laugh at others making them feel humiliated and frightened of the negative peer pressure they are applying.
None goes home and can't sleep she is so upset. She knows these kids are wrong and she doesn't seem to have the courage to stand up and say something to them.
One day in the park she sees Hector being pushed off a swing by a big bully and his glasses fly off his face and bounce across the grass. That's the last straw... that's it... she can't take it any longer. She must do something now! She gets off the park bench she is sitting on and stands up... not only physically but mentally to the intimidating bully and comes to Hector 's aid. She knows it's the right thing to do and she feels a great sense of relief and pride by choosing to intervene on Hector's behalf. He is so very appreciative of her act of bravery to protect him and together they exit the park leaving the bullies stunned and on mute.
The illustrations are crayon-and-watercolour and are a pure delight. Côté has caught the emotions and actions just perfectly. I must confess I love that style of illustrations the best so I'm kind of bias.
This book is a perfect read aloud experience and will open up dialogue about bullying, peer pressure, courage, friendships, empathy, confidence and respect for other and self-respect. I highly recommend this book to add to your collection.
January 1, 2020
I received an advanced copy of this book from Random House via Netgalley in exchange for a review.
Noni faces a dilemma that a lot of children face. What do you do when your friends are doing something you think is wrong? Do you go along with them even though you don't like it? Or do you stand up for what you think and risk losing the friendship? For Noni, this comes in the form of another student named Hector who is being bullied by everyone for no reason.
I think this book addresses this issue well. I like that it takes Noni a little while to find her voice because I think that awful feeling you get when you do just "go along to get along" is a motivator to NOT do that the next time it happens. The fears of isolation and rejection Noni has are very real and are a huge factor in why bullying is so common around middle school when social acceptance is at its peak importance. Perhaps, exposing children to the ideas in this book at a younger age can help prevent that later on. I can certainly see this book being worked guidance on bullying especially in schools that discuss not being a bystander but being an upstander. I liked the pictures and felt like they worked well with the story. I felt like the flash back section was not as well connected to the rest of the story and I wish the ending hadn't been so abrupt but otherwise I think this is a good add to the anti-bullying bookcase.
Noni faces a dilemma that a lot of children face. What do you do when your friends are doing something you think is wrong? Do you go along with them even though you don't like it? Or do you stand up for what you think and risk losing the friendship? For Noni, this comes in the form of another student named Hector who is being bullied by everyone for no reason.
I think this book addresses this issue well. I like that it takes Noni a little while to find her voice because I think that awful feeling you get when you do just "go along to get along" is a motivator to NOT do that the next time it happens. The fears of isolation and rejection Noni has are very real and are a huge factor in why bullying is so common around middle school when social acceptance is at its peak importance. Perhaps, exposing children to the ideas in this book at a younger age can help prevent that later on. I can certainly see this book being worked guidance on bullying especially in schools that discuss not being a bystander but being an upstander. I liked the pictures and felt like they worked well with the story. I felt like the flash back section was not as well connected to the rest of the story and I wish the ending hadn't been so abrupt but otherwise I think this is a good add to the anti-bullying bookcase.
December 18, 2016
Noni Speaks Up by Heather Hartt-Sussman - (Which is also apparently part of a series, the first book being Noni Says No, about Noni's people-pleasing ways, which is also quite interesting, and worth a read.) This second book is about bullying, and standing up for what you know is right, in the face of friends, and the fear of the resulting social isolation. Noni's a good kid who has great manners and practices kindness, but "when she sees the kids bullying Hector at school, Noni freezes. She does not budge. She cannot get out a single word." Of course, she knows what's happening is wrong, but she's afraid of what might happen if she says so... she likes being accepted, having friends, and if all her friends hate Hector, how does she oppose them? "On the way home, Noni isn't very proud of herself." She imagines all the potential pitfalls of saying that Hector is a pretty cool dude and they should all be nice to him, like having to sit by herself at lunch, or having her friends turn and laugh at her. The text is so relate-able, and so relevant, that any kid will understand Noni's dilemma. While the ending is abrupt, and seems slightly unfinished, it might be a good conversation starter, a place to get kids thinking about what might happen after Noni does do the right thing, and how she/they could respond.
February 7, 2016
Noni Speaks Up by Heather Hartt-Sussman is a wonderful little story for small children. It briefly explores how hard it is to do the right thing sometimes. It sheds light on how bullying is wrong and how it can make even the bystanders miserable.
People who are different often get bullied. Noni didn’t like the bulling going on, but was too afraid to say anything. She was afraid of losing her friends and of being on the receiving end of the bullying if she said anything. I admired Noni for thinking the situation through and for getting the courage to say something. She was guided by her heart and her conscience.
Bullying often starts like this:
But if it isn't stopped, it can end up like this (or worse):
Hartt-Sussman manages to convey all of that in this short little book. My only regret with this book is that it wasn’t a little longer. I wanted to see what happened with her friends. Did they reject Noni, or did they welcome the boy into their group. Did her friends feel sorry for their actions?
December 29, 2015
Noni always does the right thing but when her friends and other schoolmates start bullying Hector she simply does not know what to do. She wants to help but she is afraid. Finally, she sees enough and speaks up.
I like the point of this short children's story but it honestly fell short of what I thought it was going to be. I hoped it would send a clearer message that bullying is wrong or what to do about it but instead we only get an off-hand witness to bullying and her comment of "What did he ever do to you?" without any real resolution. I can't help but feel that there could have been a better ending; perhaps something along the lines of informing an adult or Noni getting the other kids to see that Hector is just as important a person as they are.
Kids who empathize with other kids who are bullied will feel proud of Noni for speaking up and Hector for brushing it off so quickly. Even if there is more that could have been done to put an end to the bullying, the characters took action, no matter how small, and that matters.
I received a temporary ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I like the point of this short children's story but it honestly fell short of what I thought it was going to be. I hoped it would send a clearer message that bullying is wrong or what to do about it but instead we only get an off-hand witness to bullying and her comment of "What did he ever do to you?" without any real resolution. I can't help but feel that there could have been a better ending; perhaps something along the lines of informing an adult or Noni getting the other kids to see that Hector is just as important a person as they are.
Kids who empathize with other kids who are bullied will feel proud of Noni for speaking up and Hector for brushing it off so quickly. Even if there is more that could have been done to put an end to the bullying, the characters took action, no matter how small, and that matters.
I received a temporary ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Noni always tries to do the right thing. But she doesn't know how to help her classmate Hector, who is constantly bullied for his name, his size and his giant glasses. Noni stands by silently, afraid that the kids will turn on her if she speaks up. Yet "doing nothing" doesn't feel very good. Will Noni be brave enough to take matters into her own hands?
This book was a really good story about bullying and how to deal with it as children. While it does focus on the bullying of Hector, the ending is really abrupt and feels somewhat rushed. Another 4 pages would have been enough to really finish this story in a stronger fashion.
The illustrations were tidy, if not amazing - but this book was certainly more about the message in the text, not the storytelling in the pictures.
Overall, a decent book that fell down just a little bit with the rushed ending.
Paul
ARH
Noni always tries to do the right thing. But she doesn't know how to help her classmate Hector, who is constantly bullied for his name, his size and his giant glasses. Noni stands by silently, afraid that the kids will turn on her if she speaks up. Yet "doing nothing" doesn't feel very good. Will Noni be brave enough to take matters into her own hands?
This book was a really good story about bullying and how to deal with it as children. While it does focus on the bullying of Hector, the ending is really abrupt and feels somewhat rushed. Another 4 pages would have been enough to really finish this story in a stronger fashion.
The illustrations were tidy, if not amazing - but this book was certainly more about the message in the text, not the storytelling in the pictures.
Overall, a decent book that fell down just a little bit with the rushed ending.
Paul
ARH
March 23, 2016
Review copy provided by Netgalley
This story of a timid child who can only keep quiet about the unfair treatment her classmate gets for so long is certainly inspiring, but more importantly than that, it focuses on the role of the silent innocent bystander in bullying. So often books that are about bullying focus on either the bully or the victim and the crowd around them serves only as backdrop for the story. This book changes that. Noni is the quiet girl who observes everything that is wrong around her. Though none of it is happening to her directly, she is a witness to everything, at least she is until she realizes that she can't bear to stay quiet any longer. When she finally does stand up, she quickly realizes that everyone else is simply looking for someone like her to follow. It's an interesting concept for a book and I it's well presented. This is definitely worth asking to your shelves. Well written and equally well presented.
This story of a timid child who can only keep quiet about the unfair treatment her classmate gets for so long is certainly inspiring, but more importantly than that, it focuses on the role of the silent innocent bystander in bullying. So often books that are about bullying focus on either the bully or the victim and the crowd around them serves only as backdrop for the story. This book changes that. Noni is the quiet girl who observes everything that is wrong around her. Though none of it is happening to her directly, she is a witness to everything, at least she is until she realizes that she can't bear to stay quiet any longer. When she finally does stand up, she quickly realizes that everyone else is simply looking for someone like her to follow. It's an interesting concept for a book and I it's well presented. This is definitely worth asking to your shelves. Well written and equally well presented.
February 28, 2016
Raising Fairies and Knights Review
Noni Speaks Up is about a little girl who watches one of her friends being bullied. She is so terrified of making people dislike her to that she freezes and just stands there and watches. At night though she is very upset and sad that she did nothing to stop it. S he decides that is not OK and next time she sees them bullying him she stands up for him and tells them to stop. This book is a very sweet story it shows that Noni is very caring and she handles the situation in a very good way just enough compassion but not force against the bullies. I like the story because I think it shows children that even if they do something small they can help stand up for others. It is a very good learning story for young children, my toddler understood the message and I think the story will definitely stay with her.
http://www.raisingfairiesandknights.c...
Noni Speaks Up is about a little girl who watches one of her friends being bullied. She is so terrified of making people dislike her to that she freezes and just stands there and watches. At night though she is very upset and sad that she did nothing to stop it. S he decides that is not OK and next time she sees them bullying him she stands up for him and tells them to stop. This book is a very sweet story it shows that Noni is very caring and she handles the situation in a very good way just enough compassion but not force against the bullies. I like the story because I think it shows children that even if they do something small they can help stand up for others. It is a very good learning story for young children, my toddler understood the message and I think the story will definitely stay with her.
http://www.raisingfairiesandknights.c...
Read
January 4, 2016This is a well-written book for young children. The main character, Noni, always does the right thing: she gives up her seat to seniors; she returns change dropped by others, and she holds the door open for pregnant ladies. However, she stands quietly by when a boy she knows is bullied because of his name and glasses.
I like how the character wrestled with herself over this. She cared about what people would think of her if she stepped in and said something. She didn't want her friends to turn against her. Ultimately, she does the right thing, and the little boy thanks her. This is a wonderful book for young children. It isn't so complicated that they can't understand it. I give it 5 solid stars because I think teaching children that bullying is wrong should start with the youngest among us.
I like how the character wrestled with herself over this. She cared about what people would think of her if she stepped in and said something. She didn't want her friends to turn against her. Ultimately, she does the right thing, and the little boy thanks her. This is a wonderful book for young children. It isn't so complicated that they can't understand it. I give it 5 solid stars because I think teaching children that bullying is wrong should start with the youngest among us.
December 27, 2015
There are a lot of books on bullying but this one deals with the bystander. Children who see bullying are often afraid to do anything because they are afraid the bullies will turn on them. In this book Noni has a lot of friends. When she sees them bullying a tall, gangly boy with glasses named Hector she is afraid to do anything. When she is playing with her friends and sees a boy push Hector off a swing she finally realizes she needs to stand up for her beliefs and for Hector. This is a very simple story with a great message. A great book to use with grade school children who witness bullies. This book should be in every school library and classroom.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2016
This book is about Noni, who is a kid who likes to be kind and thoughtful to others but sometimes feels quiet, shy, or unsure what to say. One day, Noni's friends begin bullying Hector, and Noni feels that it is not right but is unsure of what to do.
I relate to Noni, because I too feel good when I am kind and thoughtful toward others but sometimes freeze up when presented with an opportunity to right a wrong. Kids who feel the same way may be encouraged by how easy Noni's final course of action is.
Although the story and pictures are simple and attractive, they border on cliché. This may be better for the toddler and preschool set, rather than the school-age children it seems to target.
**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-galley of this title.**
I relate to Noni, because I too feel good when I am kind and thoughtful toward others but sometimes freeze up when presented with an opportunity to right a wrong. Kids who feel the same way may be encouraged by how easy Noni's final course of action is.
Although the story and pictures are simple and attractive, they border on cliché. This may be better for the toddler and preschool set, rather than the school-age children it seems to target.
**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-galley of this title.**
March 27, 2016
Concise story about a little girl who finds the courage to stand up for someone being bullied. Great way to talk to kids about bullying, and show how they can help when such a situation occurs. I really liked the fact that the story wasn't focused on the bullies or victim, but by a witness. Even with only 24 pages, Hartt-Sussman is able to convey the emotions of not speaking out and the strength that goes with a courageous, helping hand. These lessons are so important; and if you can teach kids early on to not ignorantly sit back, you can help develop teens and adults that make sure those around them are being kind and not harming others. Reminds me of male-audience assault PSAs that deliver the same message.
January 4, 2016
Grades 3-5. Noni Speaks Up is a realistic examination of peripheral bullying. Noni's classmate Hector is constantly bullied and it makes Noni uncomfortable. She considers confronting her friends, but fears being targeted as the next victim. This storytelling flows naturally and Noni's reactions and fears will hit a note with readers, regardless of genders. The abruptness of the ending may be problematic for individual reads, but could be used as a springboard for discussion by astute educators. Côté's watercolor illustrations, reminiscent of children's artwork, are simple but not simplistic. A good choice for educators and parents looking to start larger conversations.
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