Gale, Eric Kahn. The Bully Book. Fic. Roaring Brook, 2012. 240p. $16.99. 978-0-06-212511-8. OUTSTANDING. GRADES 4-8.
Bullying is a hot topic in schools and society today, so it is no surprise to see yet another story involving the topic. What is different (and well done), is the way in which this story was written and delivered. Told in the form of journal entries and instructional pages from The Bully Book, readers will experience the difficulties Eric Hasken goes through during his sixth grade year. Not only is he targeted to be the kid everyone alienates and picks on, but he also tries to find out why he was targeted. The journal pages lay out his efforts to solve the mystery, the effects of the bullying, and his surprising discoveries and self-realization about the importance of his efforts toward friendship as well. The instructional pages from The Bully Book are also enlightening, as they reveal how to effectively pick on one kid or any kid and how to get the whole class to turn on the kid as well. Strongly written, very engaging, thought provoking, and excellent to share with kids and teachers. Review based on an ARC.
Joshua Rees, Daly City PL