Anti-Bullying Book Club!

Say “yes” to acai bowls and “no” to bullying! (Photo by Sara Liptack)

I was so honored to be a part of an anti-bulling club this weekend!

Sara Liptack of the Little Free Library, Westfield, New Jersey, invited me to her home to discuss my book, “I Don’t Want to Be Like You” with young readers in the Westfield neighborhood.

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is about my experiences growing up in the 1970s and dealing with bullying throughout grade school and high school. The girls had a few weeks to read the book, but they all said they finished it in one or two sittings.

It was refreshing to be in the company of such inspirational young ladies who are all anti-bullying advocates and have dreams for a bright future.

What I’ve learned, unfortunately, is that when it comes to peer pressure and bullying, not much has changed in the last 40 years; especially now with the internet.

The good news is, the four girls I’ve spoken with were confident to be themselves and truly have it together when it comes to standing apart from the crowd, going after their dreams, and not worrying what others think of them.

One commented, “I can’t wait to go to college. I’m going to learn so much!”

I asked the girls what part of the book they liked best. Most agreed they liked the whole book, in general, and that it was a quick read. One young lady said her favorite part was when I started fighting back.

In a comfortable, private setting, everyone, including the adults Sara and myself, shared their experiences with bullying and how they handled it. It was an awesome event and a great learning experience.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for motivational speaking engagements and is the author of the following books: 

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: Ten Ways to Become Your Own Hero” will be available October 2019. To pre-order, go here: https://kicamprojects.com/shop/be-extraordinary/

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your copy, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Want-Be-Like-You/dp/1726273261

Make Art Out of Recyclables at Garwood Library

“Make Art Out of Recyclables”

(Photo of children used by permission from parent)

“Make Art Out of Recyclables” was held yesterday at the Garwood Library, Garwood, New Jersey.

This program is available for libraries, schools and private parties.

For pricing and availability, contact Maryanne at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

“Make Art Out of Recycables” is affiliated with Pear Tree Enterprises (www.peartreeenterprises.com)

Synopsis:

Recycling is not only good for the environment. When creative sparks fly, old junk and trash can become a child’s masterpiece!

Whether it’s making robots out of old cereal boxes, dolls out of Q-tips, puppets from old socks, or “designer” footwear from old buttons, children will have a blast at this informative, fun, inter-active class which is geared towards children ages 6 to 10.

Each class is different, according to seasons and materials available. Classes are limited to 20 children, so must have a sign-up sheet. And so that no child gets left out, we do offer discounted “back-to-back” programs.

Class is conducted by award-winning journalist, author and public speaker, Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta with assistance from various artists and teachers who have worked with children.

Anti-Bullying Motivational Speaker

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta, author of “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” is now available for Anti-Bullying school programs.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an anti-bullying speaker based out of New Jersey. Bully prevention is near to her heart simply because she was bullied in both grade school and high school (as illustrated in her book, “On the Guest List” — available on Amazon.) She knows, first hand, the psychological impact that bullying can have on students.

Her mission is to not only spread the word to as many young people to share her message presenting tools to prevent bullying — but to also provide inspiration to bullies to channel their anger in more positive ways.

Check out Maryanne’s blog talk radio guest spot on The Bullyproof Classroom with host Jim Burns, author of “Anti-Bullying 101”: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bullyproofclassroom/2014/03/11/the-bully-proof-classrooms-speaks-with-maryanne-christiano-mistretta

If you are a school counselor or principal, Maryanne would love to speak at your school.  Will travel anywhere in USA.

Please e-mail for rates and travel expenses: maryannechristiano@gmail.com

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is an award-winning journalist, public speaker and author.