The Bully Book

November 12, 2012
This gripping debut novel, previously published by the author as an e-book, explores school bullying and power dynamics from perspectives at both the top and the bottom of the classroom social order. Excerpts from “the Bully Book” address readers directly, explaining how to rise to a position of power (“You need to pick lieutenants, loyal friends who can help you carry out instructions”) at the expense of the “Grunt,” a student singled out for abuse. Sixth-grader Eric Haskins writes intervening journal entries that detail his growing awareness that he has become his grade’s targeted Grunt. Using the Bully Book’s guidance, three boys mount a step-by-step campaign of psychological warfare against Eric, sabotaging his few friendships, turning classmates against him, and collapsing his self-esteem. Yet an inner resilience emerges as Eric tries to unravel the origins of the Book, a layered and attention-grabbing mystery. Gale’s accounts of bullying are subtle and chilling, but readers will finish the book believing that the humiliations Eric suffers can be conquered. Ages 8–12. Agent: Erica Rand Silverman, Sterling Lord Literistic.

February 1, 2013

Gr 4-7-Previously published as an ebook, this is a chillingly realistic portrayal of bullying. Sixth-grader Eric Haskins, formerly normal to the outside world, has been chosen to be this year's "Grunt"-the target of an all-encompassing bullying scheme. When all of his friends turn against him, he discovers the root of his problems, The Bully Book, and methodically attempts to locate its origin and author, and find out why he has been targeted. Realizing that the practice goes beyond the misery of his sixth-grade year to past victims, he is determined to stop it from claiming future students. Alternately told through Eric's journal entries and The Bully Book's cruel directives ("You've got to ruin the Grunt's friendships...You need to start fights between the grunt and his friends. Spread rumors that will cause trouble"), the story is fast paced, with strong character voice in the writing. Readers will experience the depressive reality of a bullied child as they try to solve the mystery along with Eric. Those who have been victims will root for him as he tries to make sense of the warfare waged against him, while others may recognize tendencies in themselves that should be altered. Great for discussion.-Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA

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