Spring 2025

Ouch Moments

When Words Are Used in Hurtful Ways

  • Interest Level: Grade 1 - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

Microaggressions or “ouch moments,” as they are referred to in the story, are brief exchanges where an indignity, insult, or slight is expressed—whether intentionally or not—from one person to another.

For instance, when children use words like “lame” or “gay” to mean that something is bad, weird, or different, they communicate a message that having a disability or being part of LGBTQ+ community is equal to being bad, weird, or different. Children likely are not trying to be hurtful; they may just be repeating words that they have heard in the past and may not realize the discriminatory connotations.

Young people have a wonderful capacity to care about each other. However, they need guidance, mentoring, and modeling from adults to understand the impact of their words and behaviors.

A Note to Parents and Caregivers by Kevin L. Nadal, PhD, provides more information about microaggressions and strategies for talking to children about hurtful language, discrimination, and bias.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-4338-1961-2
$12.74
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 1 - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre Picture Books
Category SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2015
Publisher Magination Press, American Psychological Association
Imprint Magination Press — American Psychological Association
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2025-01-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV039230, JUV039220, JUV039140
Dimensions 8 x 10
Features Awards, Note to adults, Original artwork, and Reviewed

Awards

  • Nautilus Awards Silver Medal Winner, Winner, 2015
  • Family Choice Award Winner, Winner, 2015
  • Eureka! Children's Book Award Honorable Mention, Winner, 2015

Reviews

Publishers Weekly

“Genhart clearly articulates how, when bullying occurs, it can be hard to know what to do. He encourages readers to avoid responding in kind, practice kindness (both to themselves and others), and talk to adults. It’s a solid resource for conflict meditation in clinical or school settings.”—Publisher’s Weekly

School Library Journal

“People of all ages can learn and grow from the message of this offering. A great addition to collections.”—School Library Journal