"Nicholas and the Wild Ones" is about Nicholas' perspective of "the wild ones" in his class at school. Nicholas talks to his mom about the wild ones at school the way most of the kids probably think. He describes how one of the wild ones gives wedgies to his friend, and another one pushed him. He got advise from his family about what to do and the next day he complimented Cindy, the girl who pushed him. They became friends and Nicholas invented a way for the wild ones to occupy themselves, so they couldn't bother anyone.

This is an open book on what most kids think about bullies, but are too afraid to say it. There are good things and bad things about this book. One thing I didn't love is Nicholas' grandpa told him to put his knuckles up when the wild ones around, which he ended up teaching to another friend. I don't think putting your knuckles up is the proper solution to deal with bullies, but I could have a good discussion about why that isn't a good solution with my students. Even with some of the negative things, I think it is still worth the read. I would recommend this to a class that has a problem with bullying, which is probably most classrooms. This book will help have an open conversation about what is and isn't appropriate behavior for my classroom. ( )