(Grades K-3) Ryan is fast like a cheetah, but his friend Doug is not. After they get timed in gym, Doug comes in behind everyone else. “Doug the Slug,” chants Ryan and he gets a lot of laughs. Doug is upset but Ryan doesn’t notice. Amy tells Ryan he made Doug feel bad. Ryan doesn’t worry about it. Then that night his own brother calls him Baby Ryan for wanting his teddy at night. He hears his father and brother talking about respect for family and friends and Ryan thinks his treatment of Doug. When his brother apologizes, Ryan realizes that he was disrespectful to Doug and resolves to apologize the next day.

This new title in The Way I Act series uses a common situation to talk about respect.

Reviews
"Young readers will identify with the realistic situations and believable characters in these stories....can be read independently or used by adults as part of a discussion on character. Colorful cartoon illustrations add to the appeal. Schools looking for books to support character-education programs will want to consider these titles." School Library Journal

"In this title from the The Way I Act series, elementary-schooler Ryan learns how to be respectful of his friend, Doug. Watercolor paintings show an idyllic neighborhood, but in every neighborhood there is always insensitive teasing....Kroll’s smooth text tells a strong story of children developing important social skills and then watching them pay off." Booklist