Zola The Upstander

Sometimes doing the right thing takes courage, especially when someone else is being treated unfairly.

In The Upstander, Zola notices that her friend Leo is having a difficult time because another child is being unkind to him. At first, Zola feels scared and doesn't know what to do. But then she remembers something important: when someone needs help, being brave can mean speaking up and getting support.

Zola finds the courage to stand up for Leo and herself. Her actions help bring the situation to an end, and soon Zola, Leo and their friends are able to enjoy being together again.

Through this gentle story, young readers discover that they can:

• Notice when someone is being treated unkindly
• Speak up when something doesn't feel fair
• Stand beside a friend who needs support
• Ask a trusted adult for help
• Stay calm when they feel nervous or afraid
• Understand that courage doesn't mean never feeling scared
• Treat others with kindness and respect
• Help create a kinder and safer community

The Upstander introduces the idea that children don't have to simply watch when someone is being treated badly. Sometimes an upstander is someone who uses their voice, supports a friend or gets a trusted adult to help.

Zola's experience shows young readers that even small acts of courage can make a meaningful difference.

For every child learning that kindness sometimes means finding the courage to speak up.