MaryAnn Milton Butterfield’s “Don’t Call Me That!” is an Excellent Source of Positivity and Real-Life Lessons for Children

Treating anyone, especially a child, with hostility and aggression based on their skin color or physical appearance is unacceptable. In her book “Don’t Call Me That!” My name is Michael, MaryAnn Milton Butterfield addresses this issue at its core: starting in elementary school. What one child may view as harmless fun could be hurtful and isolating for another child.

In “Don’t Call Me That!” an intelligent Asian-American, Michael Kim, was thrilled to start at a new school, but on the first day, a group of boys had already gathered at the bus stop, and one of them pointed at Michael and called him a name. The others found it amusing, but Michael was embarrassed and confused since he didn’t understand the word’s meaning.

The same boy, Chuck, would laugh and scare Michael and his new friend, Jason, almost daily. To protect the fort they were building from potential sabotage by the teasing boy, Michael and Jason devised a plan to trick him. Unfortunately, their plan backfired, and Michael got into big trouble at home and school. Michael was in a dilemma because he didn’t want to be known as a tattletale.

The BlueInk review praised Butterfield’s writing prowess: “The author is a talented wordsmith who understands children. Her young characters’ dialogue feels natural and real, and Michael’s thoughts and reticence to report the bullying are equally authentic. His mother’s occasional gentle teasing is lovingly wrought,” the review stated. “Young readers will readily identify with the story’s credible characters and will surely sympathize with Michael’s daily struggles with Chuck.”

Young children need to learn the difference between having fun and bullying behaviors, and victims need to understand that reporting their fears is not tattling. Butterfield’s book aims to create awareness and understanding and how positive behaviors can create inclusive relationships—a skill that can benefit them throughout their lives.

Get a copy of “Don’t Call Me That!” My Name is Michael” by MaryAnn Milton Butterfield on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and ReadersMagnet Bookstore. For more information, visit the author’s website at https://butterfieldstories.com/.

“Don’t Call Me That!: My Name is Michael”
Author: MaryAnn Milton Butterfield
Genre: Children’s Fiction
Publisher: ReadersMagnet LLC
Published date: August 11, 2023

Author

MaryAnn Milton Butterfield uses her experiences in child development to craft a book that appeals to readers of all levels. A chance encounter with a distressed child led her to write, “Don’t Call Me That!” My name is Michael” Previously a non-fiction writer, she honed her writing for children at the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and applied this knowledge in this exciting story to help children understand social behaviors that will aid them in developing relationships—a skill that will serve them well in life. Butterfield resides with her husband, Bob, in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

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