Everyone Is Someone: Songs of Social and Emotional Responsibility

Gr 2–6—Kisor wrote these 13 original songs to encourage children to engage in social skills—which he calls a musical solution to bullying—such as acceptance, friendship, teamwork, empathy, and responsibility. Kisor and his musical guests give excellent vocal and instrumental performances on ukulele, cello, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, viola, violin, bass, guitar, keyboards, piano, drums, and percussion. Performing in styles such as rock, pop, funk, and bluegrass, the play list includes "The Whole World's Watching," "A.F.T.E.R.," "I Have a Will" (positive things to do, negative things to avoid), "What If Everyone Did It Too" (being kind and helpful to others), "I Want to Know" (how others think and feel), "Everyone Is Someone," "No Room for Hate," "Strangers and Friends" (similarities between people), "Response Ability" (speaking out against bullying, even when it's happening to someone else), "Living in My Own Skin" (defining oneself instead of letting others define you), "I Make the Difference" (change the way you respond to others), "Take the Bull Out of Bullying" (examines bullying from the perspectives of the bully and the victim), and "Forever." This album would be especially valuable for classroom use.—Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX