The Principle Gang by Bli and Dan Dugi Book Reviews

The NEA reports that 160,000 students stay home from school everyday due to bullying. While ! anti-bullying laws are growing at state and local levels, making schools take action for adverse
events occurring on campus, parents and clinicians are often better able to recognize the signs of
a child being bullied—and can help put a stop to it.

The issue of bullying weighs heavily on the minds of Dan and Bli Dugi, a physician and physician
assistant. While building their young daughter’s home-based library, they saw a need for books that
expressed values in a vibrant way. The Dugis created The Principle Gang series, a collection of six
books that brings to life the timeless messages parents have been conveying to their children for
centuries—messages about family, friendship, community and fairness.

The first book in the series, Don’t Judge a Lizard by His Scales, releases in August and book two,
Wizard Lizard Rides the Subway, debuts in October. Children are invited to become a member of
“The Principle Gang,” by taking an oath to promise respect and encouragement, while learning
important principles to make a difference. The characters in the series have different strengths and
weaknesses that children can relate to.

The Dugis also launched a “No Bullies Allowed” campaign for elementary schools. Every school that
signs up will receive a PG No Bullies Allowed starter pack, which includes an introductory letter,
full-color poster for the school library, coloring sheet, and a powerpoint presentation for classroom
instruction.

“The topic of bullying is not just a school problem, it’s a community-wide problem,” say Dr. Dan and
Bli Dugi. “As health practitioners, we feel it is our duty to address bullying as another key factor in
preventive medicine. Education and prevention are critical for the well-being of our youth.”

Kids, You're Invited: Join The Principle Gang!!
Doctor-PA, husband and wife team create values-based series to address
bullying!

by
Bli and Dan Dugi
ThePrincipleGang.com

@principlegang

About the authors
Dr. Dan and Bli Dugi have a combined 50 years experience as a physician and physician
assistant team. With The Principle Gang series, they have created a way to connect with young
children outside of the exam room. They live in Cuero, Texas with their daughter, Emmy.
Story idea & talking points
• October is National Bullying Prevention Month
• Recognizing the signs & symptoms of bullying
• Physician’s new responsibility: talking to young patients about bullying
• How parents can get involved in anti-bullying efforts in their child’s school
• How teaching social skills and core values at a young age can effectively prevent bullying


Bullying statistics
• The average child has watched 8,000 televised murders and 100,000 acts of violence
before finishing elementary school
• 160,000 students stay home from school everyday due to bullying (NEA)
• 30% of students who reported they had been bullied said they had at times brought
weapons to school
• 2/3 of students who are targets become bullies
• 20% of all children say they have been bullied
• In schools where there are bullying programs, bullying is reduced by 50%

My Reviews:
This is the beginning of a great series. I love that the characters are fun animals, and the authors are teaching good morals. You should never judge a book by it's cover and you should never judge people by how they look. There is also a section of principles at the end for parents, and kids. There are also funny puns like the fly-pad! The second book is about starting a anti-bullying club. There is a feeling of community and helping your neighbors as well. These are great books and I am giving them both a 5/5. I was given a copy to review from PR by the book, however all opinions are my own.