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But It's Not My Fault: Help Kids 5-9 Learn How to Take Responsibility
"My name is Norman David Edwards, but everybody calls me Noodle. Sometimes things happen to me that get me into trouble. But it's not my fault!"
Teach children to stop making excuses and blaming others when they make mistakes. Elementary school kids will identify with Noodle as he makes one excuse after another for his behavior and choices that lead to unwanted consequences.
It just isn’t his fault that his brother’s game ran late, and he didn’t finish his homework. Or that his mom forgot to remind him to turn in his library book. By learning to accept responsibility he finds instead how to use mistakes as opportunities for problem-solving and to turn negatives into positives.
This is the first title from award-winning author Julia Cook in the Responsible Me! series which strengthens character development and helps kids use better social skills at school and at home.
Included at the end of the storybook are tips for parents and educators for conquering the blame game. The series also
Teach children to stop making excuses and blaming others when they make mistakes. Elementary school kids will identify with Noodle as he makes one excuse after another for his behavior and choices that lead to unwanted consequences.
It just isn’t his fault that his brother’s game ran late, and he didn’t finish his homework. Or that his mom forgot to remind him to turn in his library book. By learning to accept responsibility he finds instead how to use mistakes as opportunities for problem-solving and to turn negatives into positives.
This is the first title from award-winning author Julia Cook in the Responsible Me! series which strengthens character development and helps kids use better social skills at school and at home.
Included at the end of the storybook are tips for parents and educators for conquering the blame game. The series also
31 pages, Paperback
First published March 23, 2015
10 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Julia Cook
156 books193 followers"In order to teach children, you must enter their view of the world."
~ Julia Cook
JULIA COOK, M.S. is a national award winning children’s author, counselor and parenting expert. She has presented in thousands of schools across the country and abroad, regularly speaks at national education and counseling conferences, and has published children’s books on a wide range of character and social development topics. The goal behind Cook’s work is to actively involve young people in fun, memorable stories and teach them to become lifelong problem solvers. Inspiration for her books comes from working with children and carefully listening to counselors, parents, and teachers, in order to stay on top of needs in the classroom and at home. Cook has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving children both the “what to say” and the “how to say it”.
~ Julia Cook
JULIA COOK, M.S. is a national award winning children’s author, counselor and parenting expert. She has presented in thousands of schools across the country and abroad, regularly speaks at national education and counseling conferences, and has published children’s books on a wide range of character and social development topics. The goal behind Cook’s work is to actively involve young people in fun, memorable stories and teach them to become lifelong problem solvers. Inspiration for her books comes from working with children and carefully listening to counselors, parents, and teachers, in order to stay on top of needs in the classroom and at home. Cook has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving children both the “what to say” and the “how to say it”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 26, 2017
Continuing the efforts to meet the social emotional needs of my students. This is great for having them accept responsibility for their actions.
November 9, 2019
Oh, Noodle, this realistic fiction book is perfect for grades Kindergarten to 3rd Grade. This book is a great addition to any BACK TO SCHOOL book collection. I would use this book to entertain students and other educators on what happens in school every single day. I would use this book to integrate my Social Studies standards, which explores Rules & Government. This book explores Noodle's day at school and how he makes all these choices but does not take responsibility for his actions.
Implementing into classroom instruction:
This book can be split into a 5-day lesson. Day 1 can be the introduction of the story, students can make a prediction about the story. The teacher can prepare some important questions that students can listen to when reading the story. Day 2- The teacher and students can revisit the story and do a quick retell checklist of characters, settings, beginning, middle, and end. Day 3- Teacher integrate social studies standards that ties into rules and laws. The students can collaborate and create some rules that Noodle could have followed to avoid getting into so much trouble. Day 4-Students could make a connection by identifying and exploring the word, "Responsibility," and how did Noodle learning about taking responsibility for his action to help him at the end. Day 5- Students could do some arts & crafts based on the overall story of the week where they can elaborate on what rule they think is important and why.
WOW BOOK: This book WOW me because of the authenticity of this book to the classrooms around the world. I know this book is what I endure every day in my classroom where students have no idea how to take responsibility for their actions, so they can make better choices in school. I love how Noodle grows in this book. He goes from blaming others for his choices to actually reflecting on what he could have done better. He was able to self-correct himself at the end of the story about not completing his homework. The overall WOW is how well his mom taught him about taking responsibility for his actions.
Implementing into classroom instruction:
This book can be split into a 5-day lesson. Day 1 can be the introduction of the story, students can make a prediction about the story. The teacher can prepare some important questions that students can listen to when reading the story. Day 2- The teacher and students can revisit the story and do a quick retell checklist of characters, settings, beginning, middle, and end. Day 3- Teacher integrate social studies standards that ties into rules and laws. The students can collaborate and create some rules that Noodle could have followed to avoid getting into so much trouble. Day 4-Students could make a connection by identifying and exploring the word, "Responsibility," and how did Noodle learning about taking responsibility for his action to help him at the end. Day 5- Students could do some arts & crafts based on the overall story of the week where they can elaborate on what rule they think is important and why.
WOW BOOK: This book WOW me because of the authenticity of this book to the classrooms around the world. I know this book is what I endure every day in my classroom where students have no idea how to take responsibility for their actions, so they can make better choices in school. I love how Noodle grows in this book. He goes from blaming others for his choices to actually reflecting on what he could have done better. He was able to self-correct himself at the end of the story about not completing his homework. The overall WOW is how well his mom taught him about taking responsibility for his actions.
June 9, 2017
Remember our book we read yesterday, Lying Up a Storm? Who can tell me what that book was about? Elicit responses from students. We talked about being honest, not lying about doing something, even if it means we might be in trouble for our actions. Admitting what we’ve done, even if it means we might get into trouble means that you are taking responsibility for your actions. Today, we will see Noodle again in a book called But It’s Not My Fault! Let’s see if we can figure out Noodle’s problem in this story.
• Ask children to make connection to previously read text
• Foreshadow the problem of the story
I chose this book as the third book in this text set to discuss taking responsibility for our actions and not blaming others or making excuses for our actions. This is a common occurrence among elementary-aged students. I felt this book was a good way to show examples of this topic and facilitate a discussion about how to handle responsibilities what to do you if you make a mistake.
Cook, Julia (2015) But It's Not My Fault. Boys Town, NE: Boys Town Press.
• Ask children to make connection to previously read text
• Foreshadow the problem of the story
I chose this book as the third book in this text set to discuss taking responsibility for our actions and not blaming others or making excuses for our actions. This is a common occurrence among elementary-aged students. I felt this book was a good way to show examples of this topic and facilitate a discussion about how to handle responsibilities what to do you if you make a mistake.
Cook, Julia (2015) But It's Not My Fault. Boys Town, NE: Boys Town Press.
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April 30, 20191. Awards the book has received: None
2. Appropriate grade levels: Kindergarten-2nd Grade
3. Original summary: "But It's Not My Fault!" is a story about a young boy, Noodle. Noodle seems to have bad situations that he tends to blame on others, rather than taking responsibility. However, by the end of the story Noodle learns that instead of putting blame on others, he can make each day more joyful and less stressful by taking ownership of his choices.
4. Original review: I think this story is a useful tool in teaching young children how not being responsible can lead to everyday stress. Noodle's tendency to put blame on others is normal for children, and students will be able to relate to the character. Overall, the story teaches a great lesson.
5. 1-2 possible in-class uses:
-Story Map
-Lesson on Taking Ownership/Responsibility of Actions
2. Appropriate grade levels: Kindergarten-2nd Grade
3. Original summary: "But It's Not My Fault!" is a story about a young boy, Noodle. Noodle seems to have bad situations that he tends to blame on others, rather than taking responsibility. However, by the end of the story Noodle learns that instead of putting blame on others, he can make each day more joyful and less stressful by taking ownership of his choices.
4. Original review: I think this story is a useful tool in teaching young children how not being responsible can lead to everyday stress. Noodle's tendency to put blame on others is normal for children, and students will be able to relate to the character. Overall, the story teaches a great lesson.
5. 1-2 possible in-class uses:
-Story Map
-Lesson on Taking Ownership/Responsibility of Actions
January 23, 2021
This book is an excellent choice for primary-age children. It not only gives a very important lesson in responsibility and independence, but it also uses vocabulary that is advanced enough to continue the rapid growth of children's literacy while not using words that are too mature that they are not understandable. This book balances that line incredibly well. It will also surely peek the child's interest not only through the colorful pictures of everyday circumstances that children are familiar with, but also with the font and colors of the words. Certain bolded words in the book are able to be read phonetically and are repeated throughout the book for extra practice, for example it repeats the word "Rats!" multiple times. This makes this book an excellent choice for reading to your child or student side by side so they can help you with certain phonetic words or sight words!
May 11, 2022
The illustrations are awful, but the story is fine. The book stays short, though, as it had many pages on Noodles making up excuses for the bad things he did, and it doesn't give clear examples about how he could change. He only promised his teacher he would do the homework for the next day, and then the teacher was congratulating him for taking responsibility of his actions.
The reason the book gives for owning mistakes, "if you blame other people for your mistakes, you give away your chances to learn!", sounds weak to convince a child. Still, the many examples of Noodles and his excuses, can put in evidence how silly it sounds and how wrong it is to never take responsibility of his actions.
The reason the book gives for owning mistakes, "if you blame other people for your mistakes, you give away your chances to learn!", sounds weak to convince a child. Still, the many examples of Noodles and his excuses, can put in evidence how silly it sounds and how wrong it is to never take responsibility of his actions.
October 24, 2020
This book is very helpful for children who may have some behavior issues that they don't realize they are doing. The book explains that all the issues the boy is having aren't everyone else fault it is actually his fault because he needs to take responsibility for his actions. There are times children don't understand that the things they do have consequences and this book start to explain that to the boy.
September 5, 2018
I can't wait to share this book with my class! Julia Cook does a great job of taking character traits and behaviors that children need to work on and teaching an important life lesson. Since we're going to talk about responsibility tomorrow this will be perfect! I recommend this to parents of young children and teachers!
November 22, 2020
I was a big fan of this book! I think it can be a great read aloud, especially for younger classes who deal with blaming others instead of taking responsibility for their actions! Noodle is adorable and very relatable. I think kids will enjoy this book and that it can be a great conversation starter for not blaming others for your mistakes.
December 14, 2022
This book overall was great, it had an amazing theme and character development. It really shows a realistic problem in todays society, of people not wanting to take responsibility. However is done so in a light hearted manner, through the character "Noodles". Throughout the book the reader gets to view Noodles mistakes and how it amends them, just by taking responsibility!
August 1, 2018
As an elementary school counselor, accountability and taking responsibility are always needed topics. I've found Julia Cook's books to be hit or miss for the student populations that I work with, but this one is definitely a hit that I'll be adding to my library.
May 13, 2021
But it's not my fault!
By Julia Cook, Anita Duvall
He learns to take responsibility for his actions. Not giving reasons that things he does is not his fault. Used in kindergarten to help students understand responsibilities.
By Julia Cook, Anita Duvall
He learns to take responsibility for his actions. Not giving reasons that things he does is not his fault. Used in kindergarten to help students understand responsibilities.
November 6, 2024
It’s easy to read for kids at least 7, and it’s a really good book. I think kids older than at least 6 should read it, but if you’re older than 1 at least, your parents should be reading it to you. (7 yr old review)
April 2, 2018
Should be required annual reading from age three+ along with the rest of the books in this series.
November 22, 2019
Great for having students accept responsibility. Main character is never at fault! (Or so he thinks).
February 11, 2020
I loved this book. It does a great job showing how it's important to take responsibility for one's actions rather than blaming.
November 5, 2020
Shows what happens when we play the blame game, and how if is important to take responsibility for our actions.
May 2, 2021
I believe that this story is wonderful to teach students to accept responsibility and to not blame others when things do not go their way. I love this book because of its wonderful message.
May 3, 2021
I know some adults who need to read this. What a fantastic book for everyone.
January 14, 2022
Norman learns the blame game is not okay and learns to take responsibility for his own actions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2025
Planning some social skills lessons, epic boystown affiliated story on taking responsibilities for your actions!
#teachermode
#teachermode
October 12, 2016
Cook, J. (2015). But It’s Not My Fault. Boys Town, NE: Boys Town Press.
Summary: This is about a little boy who has a problem with blaming everyone else for his own problems. From the start of his day all the way to the end, everything bad that happens to him he blames on someone else. For instance, he can’t do his report because he can’t check out a book from the library because he has an overdue book, but his mom didn’t remind him to bring it so it is all her fault. The little boy learns from his mom and teacher about how he shouldn’t blame others for his own wrong doing, and in the end gets rewarded for his growth.
Activity: Have the students talk about something they thought was someone else’s fault and examine if may it was their fault and how they could have changed the outcome.
Summary: This is about a little boy who has a problem with blaming everyone else for his own problems. From the start of his day all the way to the end, everything bad that happens to him he blames on someone else. For instance, he can’t do his report because he can’t check out a book from the library because he has an overdue book, but his mom didn’t remind him to bring it so it is all her fault. The little boy learns from his mom and teacher about how he shouldn’t blame others for his own wrong doing, and in the end gets rewarded for his growth.
Activity: Have the students talk about something they thought was someone else’s fault and examine if may it was their fault and how they could have changed the outcome.
August 14, 2024
Summary:
"In the book, RJ often deflects blame for his mistakes, insisting that "it's not my fault" whenever he encounters a problem or gets into trouble. Whether he’s involved in a mishap at home or at school, RJ tends to point fingers at others rather than taking responsibility for his actions. As the story unfolds, RJ's family and teachers help him understand that acknowledging his mistakes and accepting responsibility is a crucial part of growing up. They guide him through the process of making amends and learning from his errors" (ChatGPT, August 12, 2024).
Commentary:
Something that I would like to teach to my students is not only the curriculum but also life skills that can help build them into an amazing character as they grow older. This book helps teach students the idea of responsibility and how to get along with others. Responsibility is a big part about being a human so helping them understand that concept at a young age, can help them have a better and more successful future.
Application:
In my classroom, I would use this story for a read aloud during times that classroom behavior gets out of hand and at the beginning of the year in order to set the tone for the school year. I would also follow this story with an activity sheet that guide them through what responsibility is. We could also play games as a class such as a follow my lead drawing games and other ideas like "Simon Says".
"In the book, RJ often deflects blame for his mistakes, insisting that "it's not my fault" whenever he encounters a problem or gets into trouble. Whether he’s involved in a mishap at home or at school, RJ tends to point fingers at others rather than taking responsibility for his actions. As the story unfolds, RJ's family and teachers help him understand that acknowledging his mistakes and accepting responsibility is a crucial part of growing up. They guide him through the process of making amends and learning from his errors" (ChatGPT, August 12, 2024).
Commentary:
Something that I would like to teach to my students is not only the curriculum but also life skills that can help build them into an amazing character as they grow older. This book helps teach students the idea of responsibility and how to get along with others. Responsibility is a big part about being a human so helping them understand that concept at a young age, can help them have a better and more successful future.
Application:
In my classroom, I would use this story for a read aloud during times that classroom behavior gets out of hand and at the beginning of the year in order to set the tone for the school year. I would also follow this story with an activity sheet that guide them through what responsibility is. We could also play games as a class such as a follow my lead drawing games and other ideas like "Simon Says".
December 7, 2020
Awards: n/a
Age group: 5 - 8 years
Summary: In this book, Noodle is a young boy who has to learn not to blame others or try to find fault. He tries to instead practice accepting responsibility, which proves to be a challenge for him but a very good lesson too. I think Elementary school kids will identify with Noodle by learning to accept responsibility and solving his problems.
Review: This book taught all about responsibility and accountability. However, it didn't account for when students actually had reasons for their frustrations at the situations. Sometimes it truly isn't an excuse but people still cant make accommodations, however, the teacher was really understanding.
1-2 class uses: This book can be used to show responsibility and accountability. Additionally, it shows kids that communication is essential in life and most times, people can help.
Age group: 5 - 8 years
Summary: In this book, Noodle is a young boy who has to learn not to blame others or try to find fault. He tries to instead practice accepting responsibility, which proves to be a challenge for him but a very good lesson too. I think Elementary school kids will identify with Noodle by learning to accept responsibility and solving his problems.
Review: This book taught all about responsibility and accountability. However, it didn't account for when students actually had reasons for their frustrations at the situations. Sometimes it truly isn't an excuse but people still cant make accommodations, however, the teacher was really understanding.
1-2 class uses: This book can be used to show responsibility and accountability. Additionally, it shows kids that communication is essential in life and most times, people can help.
April 10, 2016
How many times do parents and teachers hear this little phrase, “But it’s not my fault!” Once again in her accomplished way, Ms. Cook addresses solution for a common childhood problem of not wanting to take responsibility for their actions.
Noodle is at it again, being a kid and having trouble blaming everyone else for his mistakes. No matter if his blunders or large or small, they are all someone else’s fault, to the point of being ridiculous! My favorite was when he was called down for interrupting and he said, “But it’s not my fault! My mouth is addicted to talking!” The blame game may seem innocent in a child but if not corrected they grow to be adults who live their lives as victims and are never responsible for any mistakes.
Ms. Cook’s words of insight and wisdom come through Noodle’s Mom. I like the way the story hits at the heart of the problems without having an accusatory tone. This way the children have the opportunity to look at themselves without feeling the need to defend, or blame!! Another favorite point made in the book is “Blaming others is a reason but it’s not an excuse.”
I had my 10 year old granddaughter and 13 year old grandson read the book. When they finished each one had a sheepish look and said, “I do this. . . sometimes”. Both said it helped them see they need to own up for what they do. Also that it affects those around them. Someone could get in trouble for what they falsely accused them of. Plus blame causes conflict and hard feelings among friends and family. At the end are very helpful ideas to guide children in overcoming this bad habit. Engaging, vibrant illustrations, sound wisdom, and written from a child’s viewpoint. Go to http://www.juliacookonline.com to see more of Julia Cook’s amazing books!
Noodle is at it again, being a kid and having trouble blaming everyone else for his mistakes. No matter if his blunders or large or small, they are all someone else’s fault, to the point of being ridiculous! My favorite was when he was called down for interrupting and he said, “But it’s not my fault! My mouth is addicted to talking!” The blame game may seem innocent in a child but if not corrected they grow to be adults who live their lives as victims and are never responsible for any mistakes.
Ms. Cook’s words of insight and wisdom come through Noodle’s Mom. I like the way the story hits at the heart of the problems without having an accusatory tone. This way the children have the opportunity to look at themselves without feeling the need to defend, or blame!! Another favorite point made in the book is “Blaming others is a reason but it’s not an excuse.”
I had my 10 year old granddaughter and 13 year old grandson read the book. When they finished each one had a sheepish look and said, “I do this. . . sometimes”. Both said it helped them see they need to own up for what they do. Also that it affects those around them. Someone could get in trouble for what they falsely accused them of. Plus blame causes conflict and hard feelings among friends and family. At the end are very helpful ideas to guide children in overcoming this bad habit. Engaging, vibrant illustrations, sound wisdom, and written from a child’s viewpoint. Go to http://www.juliacookonline.com to see more of Julia Cook’s amazing books!
July 4, 2015
It amazes me how Julia Cook can just nail my students! Again, I need to add this to my classroom library! I don't know if the "fix" or "solution" in this one will resonate as much with my students as some of the others, but they will certainly get the problem I think, and this would be great for teaching!
Read
December 15, 2015Great for changing the focus from blaming to taking responsibility for one's actions and contributions to a situation.
July 8, 2016
This was a cute book.
March 25, 2017
Everyone else is always to blame. This isn't just a kid issue, this is an everyone issue. It is another book on responsibility and I think that it was needed far more that people realize. It is very saddening that adults (not kids) need to push their issues onto someone else. I think this is a good (must read) for all ages, not just children.
April 6, 2017
This series by Julia Cook is great for discussing undesirable behavior in a non-threatening way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews