A longtime Upstate New York educator and Phelps native has released a new children’s book designed to help young readers navigate the challenges of bullying while building confidence and resilience.
Andrea Zettlemoyer, a veteran kindergarten teacher, is the author of “Bully on the Playground,” a new book published by Covenant Books.
The story follows Lauren, an enthusiastic third-grade student who enjoys school and has a close relationship with her teacher, Mrs. Cooley. Her world changes when a new classmate begins bullying her, forcing Lauren to confront difficult emotions and learn how to respond with courage and compassion.
Drawing on her years of experience in the classroom, Zettlemoyer said she wanted to create a story that reflects the real-life challenges many children face while offering practical guidance and encouragement.
“By sharing Lauren’s journey, I hope to help children recognize their own strength and learn that kindness and courage are always within reach,” Zettlemoyer said.
The book combines themes of self-advocacy, empathy and emotional resilience with biblical principles, showing young readers how difficult experiences can become opportunities for personal growth.
According to the publisher, Bully on the Playground is intended to provide children with age-appropriate strategies and a faith-based perspective for dealing with bullying and other peer conflicts.
The book is available through bookstores and online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books and Google Play.
