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    Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories
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    Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories
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    Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories
    Ebook310 pages4 hours

    Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories

    By Megan Kelley Hall and Carrie Jones

    4.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    Don't miss this excellent catalyst for one-on-one and classroom discussion

    Today's top authors for teens and young people come together to share their stories about bullying—as bystanders, as victims, and as the bullies themselves—in this moving and deeply personal collection.

    Lauren Oliver, R. L. Stine, Ellen Hopkins, Carolyn Mackler, Kiersten White, Mo Willems, Jon Scieszka, Lauren Kate, and many more contributed 70 heartfelt and empathetic stories from each corner of the schoolyard.

    In addition, Dear Bully includes resources for teens, educators, and parents, and suggestions for further reading. For those working to support social and emotional learning and anti-bullying programs, Dear Bully can help foster reflection and empathy.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperTeen
    Release dateSep 6, 2011
    ISBN9780062060990
    Unavailable
    Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories
    Author

    Megan Kelley Hall

    Megan Kelley Hall is the author of Sisters of Misery and The Lost Sister and has written for a variety of publications, including Elle, Glamour, Parenting, the Boston Globe, and the Boston Herald. She lives north of Boston.

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    Reviews for Dear Bully

    4.5/5

    18 ratings17 reviews

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    • 4/5
      What a powerful book. It digs deep down into these authors emotions that it's scary. It makes you think twice about what you say and do to others. You might never know the repercussions of your actions.
    • 1/5
      How crazy that Megan Kelley Hall wrote a book about bullies, and in the meantime, her agency scams and bullies people https://kelleyandhallscam.com/
    • 5/5
      This book is great
    • 3/5
      When I was at my child's book fair, I saw this on the shelf and thought, "holy cow, this exists?" I have an interest in bullies and bullying as it exists (beyond the overused cliche seen in movies like Biff Tannen or Scut Farkus). The clincher was the few authors I recognized: R.L. Stine, A.S. King, Mo Willems. Unfortunately, those were the only authors I recognized. Some are bullies, some stand by and do nothing, but most relate anecdotes or essays about their bully experience. The best thing this book provides is the knowledge that everyone gets bullied, popular people, nerdy people, and adults. It's nice to know that eventually, all things come out in the wash. This means that the experience is universal. It also means that you get seventy stories of virtually the same thing. Each essay is only a few pages, and there are seventy-five of them. After a while, the story starts being the same. I think this could have gone farther if the number was reduced and the length was upped. Find the experiences that are truly unique, or more authors that are universally well-known or use a variety of techniques, and this book could have gone a lot farther. Also, there is way too much bias on the female end. I don't have the facts to support this, but I believe this is a universal experience. As a result, a lot of the stories are "Mean Girls" style bullying. I feel male stories would A) provide the variety the book needs and B) raise the stakes from "shunning" or "shaming" behaviors to physical threats.
    • 3/5
      I love the concept of this book, and even after reading it, I still love the idea of it, I also love that a portion of the book sales go to a charity to stop bullying, which I think is so important in today's society. I wanted to really connect to the stories in a deep and emotional way, and unfortantly many of them I didn't. There were a few that really hit home for me, but for the most part, I felt almost bored by the stories. I wanted them to be powerful and moving, but many of them had the same recurring theme of "hang on and it will get better", which fustrated me a bit, because if I was a teen and a victim of bullying, I think hearing that over and over again would fustrate me, because unfortantly it's not really giving them a solution.Now onto the story that really hit home for me and that was Slivers of Purple Paper by Cyn Balog, this story hit me in a deep and thought provoking way, I myself had a similar experience in high school, and getting a note from someone that you changed their life in a significant way is a very powerful thing, and one that has stuck with me my entire life.Maybe I didn't connect as much as some people because although I was heavier then most in High School I had a lot of friends, and although I do remember a few instances of being called names or being teased, nothing was as horrible as what many people deal with every day. I never wanted to stay home to avoid a bully, and I never had my books knocked out of my hands or was shoved into a locker. I also don't think I was a bully, I really prided myself on being friends with everyone, from the cool kids to the not-so-cool kids. I'm not tooting my own horn, so please don't take it that way, but reading this book opened my eyes to being at fault for not standing up or saying things when a bully was attacking people. I'm sure I may have said something to someone occasionally, but i'm also sure that I was a part of gossip or a rumor about someone that i'm sure I might not have seen as hurtful, but was. While, I didn't connect to this book as much as I had hoped I would, I still think this book is very important, maybe because it's been 10 years since high school for me, so wounds are not as fresh as they would be if I had read this book when I was younger, but i'm a firm believer that kindness goes a long way, and I truly believe that if everyone could take a moment and think about their actions and hurtful words, this world would be a much kinder and better place.
    • 4/5
      Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.Quick & Dirty: This is a heart wrenching eye opening anthology about bullying. 70 authors tell their real life experiences with bullies and how it affected them.Opening Sentence: I know bullying.The Review: Bullying is a huge problem in our society today with so many of our young people being victims of it. Dear Bully is filled with real life experiences of 70 different authors. It tells about what they had to endure as children, and how they made it through. It also tells of some that were bullies themselves and the regret they now have from causing others so much pain. There are consequences for every action we take and every word we speak, don’t let those consequences hurt you or others.This was a heart wrenching book to read. Some of the author’s stories brought me to tears when I learned of the torment they had to go through as children. Some of them also gave me hope that in some ways their terrible experiences made them stronger in the end and helped them to endure the tough times in life. Others were full of regrets for the pain that they caused to their victims. Some talk of survival and what they had to do just to make it through the day. Then there were the ones that spoke of their friends whether they pressured them into bullying others, or how they were their saviors. Some of the authors speak about the insight bullying gave them as kids and how they use it in their lives now, and the inspiration it gives their writing. It also covers the reasons why children become bullies and the sad journey that makes them turn to hurting others. Finally, there are the stories that tell of hope and that it will get better in the end if you can just live through the moment.Reading all of these authors’ stories has really opened my eyes. Growing up, I don’t really remember ever getting made fun of or getting called bad names. I am sure that there are times that it happened, but it obliviously never really affected me like it would others. As a kid, I was a little on the shy side so I stuck to my little group of friends, but I was taught to respect others even if they were different than me. I realize that bullying is a part of our society and that it will never fully go away, but it can be greatly improved if people would just pay attention. If you are a parent make sure your children feel comfortable enough to come to you if they have a problem. Also, be open minded enough that if someone else comes to you about a problem with your child you will listen and try to understand. If you are a teacher or a school administrator take notice of your surroundings and pay attention to what is going on. Don’t let your students be the victims of bullies. Last but not least, if you are just a normal person and you see someone being bullied, don’t be afraid to stand up and say something.This was a very educational read for me that was both sad and inspirational. I wish that we didn’t have this problem in the world today and that everyone could be accepting, but that’s not reality. That being said, it doesn’t mean that something can’t be done, because we are a growing ever changing race and we can always improve. We should love and respect one another and not let our own hurt and hate turn us into a bully. I would highly recommend this anthology to anyone that has ever had a problem with a bully, whether you are having a problem now or have scars from the past. This can help you see how others dealt with their own personal bullies and it will give you hope that things will get better.Notable Scene:From 2009 surveys we find:More than seventy-five percent of our students are subjected to harassment by a bully or cyberbully and experience physical, psychological, and/or emotional abuse.More than twenty percent of our kids admit to being a bully or participating in bullylike activities.On a daily average 160,000 children miss school because they fear they will be bullied if they attend classes.On a monthly average 282,000 students are physically attacked by a bully.Every seven minutes a child is bullied on a school playground with more than eighty-five percent of those instances occurring without any intervention.FTC Advisory: Harper Collins provided me with a copy of Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
    • 5/5
      An important, impressive collection that will heal and probably save many young lives. Every library should own a copy.
    • 4/5
      In essays, letters, and poems, seventy authors of children's and young-adult books share their experiences with bullying and bullies when younger. Not all the writers were victimized by bullies; some stories tell of the writer watching bullies and being too afraid to help the bullying victims, and other stories describe instances in which the writer him- or herself was a bully. Other stories explain how friends can help a bullying victim get through a difficult situation, with the writer as either the helping friend or the victim who was helped. The included stories are often raw and shocking, and although the writers are older, clearly the vividness of their experiences with bullying have not faded. Contributing writers range from children's authors Jon Scieszka and Mo Willems to young adult authors Aprilynne Pike and Nancy Golden. Recommended for all children and teens, particularly those involved with bullying problems; the book's primary message is that victims of bullying are not alone.
    • 4/5
      An absolutely critical book for teenagers today I believe. Dear Bully shares the real experiences of 70 authors, from being bullied, to seeing bullying happen in the school yard, and some of those that were the bullies and hearing their experiences. I wish this book existed 10 years ago when I was in high school – as someone who was a bit overweight and came from a family that didn’t have much money I was often talked about and excluded. To have a book like this give me some hope at the time would have been like gold to me.Whilst some stories pehaps aren’t as strong as others, collectively the book has a big impact and certainly I believe will help save lives and I hope…. will help to reinforce that message that bullying is not on.An important book with some very clear messages throughout. All teens should read this. From 13 through to 18 it’s all relevant.
    • 4/5
      The statistics are staggering, jaw-dropping things. "Every seven minutes a child is bullied on a school playground, with more than eighty-five percent of those instances occurring without any intervention." Sure, everybody has probably dealt with a bully or been a bully sometime in their life, but bullying is so ingrained in our consciousness that it's foolishly viewed as some twisted rite of passage, a character-building opportunity to emerge on the other side as a stronger, thicker-skinned person, a person better equipped to deal with the difficult people life is guaranteed to throw at you. Instead, though, we have hundreds of thousands of kids who are terrified to go to school lest they be bullied. Instead, we have kids who have been so isolated and demeaned by bullies at school and online that "a child commits suicide once every half hour" and more than 100,000 who bullies have made to feel so powerless that they feel they need to carry guns to school. If merciless torture of anyone who is even the slightest bit different is a rite of passage, then it is surely a rite that is far too heavy a burden on kids growing up today. Dear Bully is a compilation of 70 stories from YA authors about their experiences with bullying both as the bullied and as the bully. It is an assurance to kids that have been made to feel totally alone that they aren't and call to action for a nation that has turned a blind eye to bullying for too long.The stories in Dear Bully come from a variety of well-known YA authors including Lauren Oliver, R.L. Stine, Alyson Noel, Megan McCafferty, and many more come in a variety of forms, as poetry, as stories, as letters, and even in pictures. Each is powerful in its own way, and the collection as a whole runs the full gamut of emotions, causing horror at the cruelty kids are capable of, tears at the bravery and kindness of those courageous few who were willing to step into the crosshairs of bullies to rescue their friends, and even smiles of relief at these many talented authors who emerged from their torturous days of middle and high school to take refuge in and write stories that would help the kids that they once were learn that the lies bullies tell couldn't be further from the truth. If I have one complaint about some of the stories, it is that they depict mind-blowing abuse, show teachers and parents ignoring or brushing off bullying situations, describe how totally isolating bullying can be and then exhort kids to step up to stop it. While I understand the sentiment, this is one of the things that is so easy to write about in hindsight but so difficult to do at the time of the bullying. It's easy to say that you should tell the teacher or you should befriend the bullied or you should stand up to the bully, and really these are the kinds of things that should be done and should make a difference. That said, after you've just told a story where a bully beat you up or told atrocious lies about you that alienated all your friends, and the teacher said, "pull yourself together" when told the situation, it seems like a pretty hard sell to get kids to take a stand. Aside from this one gripe that only applies to a few of the pieces, I would say that this collection is a must read for everyone who has ever dealt with a bully, been a bully, had a friend or a child who is or might be a victim of a bully's cruelty. The stories succeed in showing bullied kids that they aren't alone, that things do get better. Others reveal the intense regret that schoolyard bullies might one day come to feel once they emerge from an environment where being unique couldn't be more wrong. All endeavor to show kids that regardless of the pain words might inflict, they are worthwile and loved, that it's possible to stand up for themselves, and that doing what's right, even when it might be downright terrifying, can be the most liberating of all.
    • 5/5
      If there's one thing in the world I feel strongly against, it's bullying. I hate that there are wars and hunger and conflicts and stereotypes, yet I know that some of those things are inevitable. But bullying? I really, truly, honestly believe that there isn't ANY reason why bullying should happen!Dear Bully is a collection of stories from 70 authors who have either been bullied, a bully, or a bystander. And they're all so powerful in their own way -- it blows my mind away how much these authors have been through! Some of the stories literally made me want to cry.I'm usually not a big fan of anthologies, but I loved everything about Dear Bully! It was heart-breaking and moving and powerful. Each and every one of the stories made me think. I can't even pick a favourite because there are so many that just stuck with me.Whether you have experienced bullying or have been a bully or are even faintly aware of this HUGE issue, you should definitely pick up Dear Bully! I'm so glad that so many of these authors are putting their heartbreaking stories out there to bring awareness to this!BUY or BORROW?: This is definitely a book you have to buy! Plus, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Stomp Out Bullying, which I think is just amazing! :)
    • 5/5
      Book Title: Dear BullyAuthor: Megan Kelley Hall and Carrie JonesPublished By: HarperCollins PublishersGenre: Non fictionRecommended Age: Any AgeReviewed By: Emily Tuley / AngelsCryHavocBlog Reviewed For: Great Minds Think Aloud Literary CommunityRating: 5 RavensAfter dealing with some bullying issues with my daughter at her school and remembering things from my old days reading more about it in the news and Online problems we are all facing or once faced in our lives I saw this book and just had to read it. I was looking for insight and some inspiration on how to help myself, my daughter and relief from some painful memories from the past and it was this book that helped the most. I found it inspiring uplifting and even in some areas a little sad when all variations of the situation was laid out by the 70 authors in this book and the two who compiled them together to make it a wonderful read. Each story took you through the life of the author what they endured or what someone they knew endured and how they are doing or what happened later in life to them. It let you know that nothing and noone is perfect so you shouldn’t try to make yourself perfect and that life is what you make it. Inspiring stories and poems from every one I read it’s definitely a book that would make you all feel a little soothing to that soul and maybe just maybe help you learn to let somethings in the past go.
    • 5/5
      I have been awaiting the release of this book ever since I first heard about it. Now that I have read through my own copy... how to begin my review. *inhales and exhales* We've all been there in some form or fashion whether we are the bullied, the bully, or the bystanders. I can sum the whole situation up into 2 words: bullying sucks. Personally, the only times I can recall was when I was bullied, though there might have been a time when I was the bully. It's hard to forget the feelings you experience at that time even now 15 years after the fact. But in all honesty, I think Dear Bully is a wake-up call, one that is sorely needed in this world.Now, some readers might dread having those feelings dredged back up from the tiny recesses of their minds that they've shoved those painful memories inside. And I've already seen reviews criticizing the book for that fact or that those who really need to read it won't. Even if most of the bullies don't read it (and they really don't know what they're missing out on), as long as it speaks to just one child, one teenager, one adult, I do believe it would make a difference. To read about authors bearing their souls, revealing those painful memories that they have had to carry makes them all the more real to me rather than just names of people whose work I love reading. That makes them almost more real in my eyes than seeing them at a library conference or a book signing. Because they have been there just as I have been there and just as most of us have been there.There are so many great letters, stories, and poems within Dear Bully, but one of the stories I find the most memorable is the one by Cecil Castellucci called "They Made Me Do It and I'm Sorry." I think it stuck with me most because I love graphic novels, and that was how Castellucci chose to tell her story with illustrations by Lise Bernier. What really struck me about this story was how within a group of six friends, five would choose to "freeze out" one for a time. And once that one was let back into the group, the others would behave as if nothing had happened... before freezing out another. Watching how friends could do this to one another is baffling to say the least, but the illustrations really hammer the situation home. I think my only complaint about Dear Bully is why there haven't been more books of its kind before. The bullying situation is nothing new. It happened when I was a kid, it happened when my parents were kids, and it will most likely keep happening until someone chooses to stand up and say, "Stop. It's not okay to do this." The logical part of me knows it won't happen overnight, but the bullying will continue if we don't keep bringing it up. I will definitely recommend this to any parent, teacher, and librarian because it needs to be read. The stories need to be heard.
    • 5/5
      "Everybody hurts somedays, it's okay to be afraid. Everybody hurts. Everybody screams. Everybody feels this way, it's okay." - Avril Lavinge, Everybody Hurts. I think those lines can sum up all the words that these authors have taken time to write. You are not alone. Whether you may be a bystander, a victim, or a bully, you're not the only one. These stories that each author has put down on paper are powerful and beyond worth reading. I feel that it's a must because bullying has become such a dangerous thing nowadays and it's about time people knew the gravity of this problem.Ellen Hopkins opens up the book with her own experiences and to me, shocking, awakening, eye opening facts. Trust me, those facts must not be ignored. Bullying has been happening for a long time, and I honestly don't see why it happens. Wars, hunger, poverty, they're the inevitable. But this, bullying, is not.In Dear Bully 70 authors share their painful and personal stories on the topic of bullying. Their words and stories were so moving and real, by page twenty-eight and twenty-nine, I was bawling my eyes out. These authors have been through such harsh situations. But you know what? They survived it. They survived, and now they live to tell these stories. Stories that can give one comfort and the strength they need to get through this horrible situation that is bullying.I confess, that I have been all three--a bystander, a victim, and a bully. And I've got a long way to go, still. These authors have provided me with stories that helped me gather all the broken pieces of me that shattered when I underwent bullying, and it's helping me prevent myself from bullying others and telling the bullies to STOP. Because bullying is hazardous thing, hazardous to the point where lives are lost.Dear Bully, gives hope, strength, and the sense that you aren't the only one going through this. I don't think people understand how bad bullying is, and maybe this book will make them understand. I wish this book had been available to me when I was going through a hard time in my life when I was silently hurting. What these authors have done, with just the simplest act of sharing their stories, is a very notable thing in my book. Who knows? It could even save a life.Really, seriously, honestly: Buy this book. Read it. Savor it. Share it. It's worth everything single cent. And, a portion of the book's proceeds will be donated to Stomp Out Bullying. How great is that? Now go get the book!
    • 4/5
      Dear BullyReviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews.You are not aloneDiscover how Lauren Kate transformed the feeling of that one mean girl getting under her skin into her first novel, how Lauren Oliver learned to celebrate ambiguity in her classmates and in herself, and how R.L. Stine turned being the “funny guy” into the best defense against the bullies in his class.Today’s top authors for teens come together to share their stories about bullying—as silent observers on the sidelines of high school, as victims, and as perpetrators—in a collection at turns moving and self-effacing, but always deeply personal.(Synopsis provided by goodreads)When I first heard that one of my favorite authors contributed to this anthology, I wanted to read it. I enjoyed this book when I read some of the authors stories I couldn't believe how open these authors were sharing their personal stories and reaching out to people.One I enjoyed a lot was Lauren Kate's story, she opened up more on how she came to write The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove.R.L Stien had a moving story in here as well. I think this is a book that should be read by everyone child, parent teacher everyone. It's deeply moving and very emotional. A wonderful anthology. The stories are only about 3-5 pages long each and with each new story it's a new voice so it's easy to read the book in one sitting.The best part is a portion of the money from the book is donated to charity.Hardcover: 384 pages Publisher: HarperTeen (September 6, 2011) ISBN-10: 0062060988Author: 70 different authorsCover art: I don't like it much I think it's a little corny.Over all rating: **** out of 5 starsObtained: My local library.
    • 5/5
      The Good Stuff Extremely personal tales and I admire some of the authors bravery in coming forth with their at times extremely heartbreaking tales Powerful messages will hopefully help teens who are bullied or have been bullies themselves Portion of proceeds got to Stomp Out Bullying Really emphasizes the need for better trained educators and counselors Inspirational Heartrendingly sad at times Found many new authors that I want to read because of their history A couple of graphic novel style stories Really did like the mix of different types of tales: Letters, Stories, Poetry and Graphic stories Brilliant idea - would have liked even more authors to take part - Hopefully will make a difference to children struggling with bullying and maybe a bully will see themselves in a story and make a change The story "The Eulogy of Ivy O'Connor" is extremely painful and uncomfortable to read, but the message is an important one Kiersten White's tale is very humanThe Not so Good Stuff There was poetry and not my thing - but if you like it that is totally cool and they are well done The odd story didn't really fit it, but hey that is just getting a little pickyFavorite Quotes/Passages"I don't spill guts, I spill other people's guts - my characters'. It's safer that way. But as I write this, I'm aware that by walking into my own hot, steaming discomfort, you might feel that someone else gets it - gets you." Lisa Haines"So I did the easy thing. I walked away. And I've always regretted it. I wonder how much of an impact I could have made if I'd really always had something to say. If I'd said the things that mattered, stood up for people who actually needed my help, gotten involved instead of keeping my head down." Kiersten White"And what you get right down to it, that's really what life is; one long opportunity to find "your" people. The ones who make your world a better place and the ones for whom you can make the world a little brighter as well." Michelle ZinkWho should/shouldn't read Everyone - book suggests 12+ -- but I think kids even as young as 10 could pick up something Required book for every library - these are messages that bring hope to those who have suffered that they will make it through and may even become stronger because of it4.75 Dewey'sI received this from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review
    • 5/5
      70 authors came together to tell their stories. Most are about being bullied. Some areabout being the bully. Some are about not stopping a bully or helping the bullied. These are painful memories to be sure, but they all come to the conclusion--it get'sbetter and you do survive and can thrive. In the wake of so many child/teen suicidesthat have their roots in bullying, these authors chose to make their stand. Here aresome of the statistics that the book starts out with:--Every 7 minutes a child is bullied on a school playground, with more than 85% of thoseinstances occurring without any intervention.--On a daily average 160,000 children miss school because they fear they will be bulliedif they attend classes.--On a monthly average 282,000 are phsically attacked by a bully--A child commit suicide as a direct result of being bullied once very half hour, with19,000 bullied children attempting to commit suicide over the course of one year.These writers have taken a stand. It's time for all of us to do so as well.