It's My Way or the Highway: Turning Bossy Into Flexible and Assertive

The Leader I'll Be!

by Julia Cook, Kyle Merriman (Illustrator)

Cora June is B-O-S-S-Y!

And her bossiness is getting in the way of her success.

She points out her teacher's boring assignments.
She dictates the games people play at recess.
She even objects to family dinners.

If Cora June doesn't get her way, she can make life miserable for those around her. Will anyone put the brakes on her outlandish demands? And will Cora June ever realize that she can be a leader, but still be flexible?

With help, Cora June learns that there is a difference between being assertive and being bossy. See what additional lessons are learned in this eye-opening tale about the benefits of not always getting your way.

This is the first title in an exciting storybook series, The Leader I’ll Be! book series which includes:

*It's My Way or the Highway – Cora June learns to be assertive and flexible without being bossy.

*The "I" in Integrity – Can Cora June do the right thing…even when no one is looking?

*Good Things Come to Those Who Wait - In a world consumed by instant gratification, can Cora June stay calm and patient?

*The Great Compromise - Cora June sees that future leaders must learn to compromise and show they are willing to listen to others.

Genres: Childrens

31 pages, Paperback

Published February 16, 2019

About the author

"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”.

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cora June does not think she is bossy. She just knows how she wants things to be and does not accept ‘No’. Her teacher, her coach and even her best friend tell her she needs to be more flexible. What does it exactly mean? Twisting yourself in weird and uncomfortable positions? It is time for a little chat with her Mum who is worried that Cora does not understand the concept. Mum explains that if you ask instead of telling, people will listen to what you have to say. ‘Life isn’t all about you. There is a power in flexibility.’ Cora is trying to understand how her actions affect the others.

This little story carries a great message. Being strong-willed is not about getting your way but more about being able to control and adjust your actions if necessary.

The book has lovely colourful illustrations which are certain to appeal to children.
I am looking forward to other titles in this series of books designed to help children develop their social skills.
Thank you NetGalley and Boys Town Press for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

12/4/2023 - I wish this book was available when I was a kid. I had some classmates that needed to read this! Great illustrations and lesson story. I liked that there were a couple of pages at the end to help parents teach their children how to be flexible and assertive.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a lesson book. It did seem a bit too preachy but it should be a good book for kids to read. And really, how many people do we know that think they are the boss? The illustrations were so cute and I love the little kitty.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023 - Great lesson in the story without being overbearing. Very cute illustrations. I’ll be looking for more by this author!

[Jj]

Unknown which book in the series

[PottWab Regional Library]

E

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cora is a little girl who likes things just a certain way. It’s her way or the highway. While this is a common saying, why is a little girl saying it? Does she even know what it means? Then various people like teachers and even her mother tell her she has to be “Flexible”. She thinks this is being bendy in different directions which is illustrated perfectly in the book. Later the lesson is that flexibility is learning that you don’t always get your way, and that being flexible means doing things you may not want to do, to get along or obey others. This is not a book I would ever use with kids because I think the message is a bit wonky, not exact, and a tad confusing. But i see parents and teachers liking it.
#LitsyAtoZChildrens

[Elizabeth Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you #netgalley for giving me a copy of #itsmywayorthehighway to review. This book was perfect for my daughter who is very strong-willed. This is a book to continuously go back to. She loved this book and referenced it throughout the weeks after we read it. We need to re-read it as a reminder. This story helps kids to see that demanding is not the best way to go about your day. All strong-willed children should have access to this book.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the concept for this book. It's hard for young kids sometimes to know they have to be flexible. I thought this was an alright book to demonstrate it. The pictures were bright and colorful and the storyline stayed on topic.

[Poongothai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its about a little girl who wants to be a boss and wants everyone to do as she says. She learns from her mother the power of flexibility. There are tips for parents and educators at the end .

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another winning title from Julia Cook. I plan to use it in my individual and small group counseling sessions but it can be easily be used for classroom read-aloud. I would highly recommend it to educators and parents. Thanks to Boys Town Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this title.