Educational Media Reviews Online

How a person is perceived by others and the importance of a good reputation take center stage in this film, geared to students in grades 5 through 9. Through a pleasing mix of narrators talking to the camera and actors playing out scenarios, it covers all facets of a reputation, including a definition of the term, how it is built, why it is important, how it can be damaged, and how to fix it.

The discussion of the topic and the scenes that illustrate it speak directly to this age group. The class clown, the cyberbully, and the students just going along with their friends even when they know an action is wrong – all of these are familiar to modern middle schoolers. The inclusion of damaging a reputation through online means makes this film up-to-date and interesting to students, teachers, and parents in light of recent events. Humor in some of the scenes will make students more likely to listen to the message.

The technical aspects of this DVD are well done and professional. The sound does include some background music. The use of graphics reinforces with words what is being said; in many scenes, signs over characters' heads with adjectives or nouns describing them – popular, irresponsible, sweet, friendly, sincere – makes clear that people are labeled by others.

This film captures the importance that preteens and young teens place on their friends' opinions, covering both personal actions that enhance or damage a reputation and actions with friends. It also emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice. Actions are recommended on how to make difficult choices and how to achieve a fresh start to a positive reputation.

A Teacher's Resource Book, available in a PDF file on the disk, is included. Learning objectives, pre- and post-tests, student activities and fact sheets, and National Health Education Standards make up this resource. Instructions for accessing appear inside the DVD box.

For middle school or junior high library or media centers, this film would be an excellent choice. College classes in teacher education for future teachers of this age group may also be interested. Youth groups and church groups that include this age group, too, may want to consider this for a discussion. A good film on an important and timely topic.

Recommended.