Bullying is such a big part of life growing up that if you ask any adult, they'll surely have a story from their past to tell you about getting bullied, being a bully, or witnessing it. When you hear these stories, do they help you feel less alone or help you understand the situation? Do they help you think past the here-and-now and instead, consider the consequences and lasting effects?
A new book from HarperTeen called "Dear Bully," edited by Megan Kelley Hall and Carrie Jones, hopes to do just that, with the help of 70 popular YA authors who have contributed their stories about bullying from every possible side of the experience. These stories are funny, sad, horrifying, and thoughtful. They may make you angry, and they're very likely to make you think of something that has happened, or is happening, in your own life.
Our favorite tales include: the one from R.L. Stine, who discovered he could use his talents for being funny to turn the tables on his bullies; Kieran Scott's letter to the queen bee girl who made life miserable for a group of friends; and Lisa Yee's regretful memories of standing by while one girl got picked on by her entire school.
The thing that comes through in these stories is that whatever the experience, no matter how terrible or haunting or scarring, these writers have overcome it to be self-confident and successful adults. In many cases, the authors used the pain from their pasts in their writing, and to become stronger people.
We highly recommend this book to all tweens and teens -- whether you're being bullied or not. It's a great read that will help you better understand what counts as bullying, why people might do it, and how to deal with it while being true to yourself and what you need.
A portion of the proceeds from "Dear Bully" will be donated to the organization Stomp Out Bullying. Learn more at www.DearBully.com, which features a blog and one new story each week.
A new book from HarperTeen called "Dear Bully," edited by Megan Kelley Hall and Carrie Jones, hopes to do just that, with the help of 70 popular YA authors who have contributed their stories about bullying from every possible side of the experience. These stories are funny, sad, horrifying, and thoughtful. They may make you angry, and they're very likely to make you think of something that has happened, or is happening, in your own life.Our favorite tales include: the one from R.L. Stine, who discovered he could use his talents for being funny to turn the tables on his bullies; Kieran Scott's letter to the queen bee girl who made life miserable for a group of friends; and Lisa Yee's regretful memories of standing by while one girl got picked on by her entire school.
The thing that comes through in these stories is that whatever the experience, no matter how terrible or haunting or scarring, these writers have overcome it to be self-confident and successful adults. In many cases, the authors used the pain from their pasts in their writing, and to become stronger people.
We highly recommend this book to all tweens and teens -- whether you're being bullied or not. It's a great read that will help you better understand what counts as bullying, why people might do it, and how to deal with it while being true to yourself and what you need.
A portion of the proceeds from "Dear Bully" will be donated to the organization Stomp Out Bullying. Learn more at www.DearBully.com, which features a blog and one new story each week.
