TEEN CYBERBULLYING INVESTIGATED by Tom Jacobs

This book is full of 16 plus cases all about cyberbullying talking about where your rights end and where legal action begins. This book covers cases from political expression to hacking, including an explanation of why the court ruled either or against what the school/college said. It also includes in every chapter a "how would you decide this case" which asks you how you feel about this case and if you would agree/disagree with the verdict.

I learned so much about cyber laws and how you should really be careful about what you post/say.

Yes I would recommend this book, I learned a lot of important information about where your freedom of speech ends and it becomes more serious.

Recommended for grades 9-12 and adults.


KH in Greenville

JUMPED by Rita Williams-Garcia

Jumped is about 3 girls: Trina, Dominique and Leticia. Trina is a very confident about herself. Leticia failed her math final by 13 points, causing her to have to go into school early for an extra help math class. Last but not least Dominique, who loves basketball and gets furious when she finds out her basketball playing time has been cut due to a bad grade in math. Trina crosses path with Dominique and her gang when Dominique is already angry about her basketball dilemma. This causes some angry feelings and now Dominique is out to get Trina, but Trina has no idea. Leticia who skipped out of "zero period" to use her phone heard it all and now struggles with whether to tell Trina or not. Will Trina really get jumped? Only time will tell.

I learned how much of a difference speaking up and not speaking up can be.

I wouldn't recommend this book because I found it confusing jumping from person to person, making it difficult to follow and the girl characters to be obnoxious.

Recommended for grades 9-10.


KH in Greenville

BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS I'LL BE DEAD by Julie Ann Peters

The main focus of Peter's book is bullying, from cyber bullying to things that we see in our schools almost everyday. Daelyn Rice has been picked on and bullied for her whole life, due to everything that's happened to her she believes the best way to stop everyone from hurting her and to make life better for everyone else is to kill herself. Though her first couple attempts have left nothing but failure she's determined to get it right this final time.

This book really opened my eyes to how certain kids feel when they're being bullied. They are literally pushed over the edge and can't even trust their own shadow. It's hard to believe that anybody could feel like Daelyn has felt.

I recommend this book because I think more than one person can relate in someway even if you haven't been bullied or thought about committing suicide.

Recommended for all teens.


EB in Millerton

THIS IS WHAT I DID by Ann Dee Ellis

Logan Paloney is starting eighth grade at a new school, at a new house, estranged from his best friend and having to make all new friends. It's all because of a secret that he keeps inside and refuses to talk about. Pressure from the local bully and his posse will eventually help Logan speak out about his problems and reach out to his best friend.

Very similar to another HIP novel, Speak, This is What I Did follows a depressed and mostly silent teenager through his struggles. This book gives an interesting perspective on what can happen when you don't stand up for yourself and rumors spread.

I found this book very frustrating because Logan is constantly alluding to an event that has seemingly ruined his life, but the reader is not trusted with the details of the event until the very end of the book.

Recommended for Grades 6 - 8.



RVK in Esopus

LAST EXIT TO NORMAL by Michael Harmon

Ben's life is confusing, his father announces he is gay and moves out to a farm in Montana. Now, Ben is trying to learn about country life, woo the town sweetie and get a hold on his home life.

Kids who deal with gay parents face a lot of discrimination that they don't deserve. Ben is just an average, messed up teen who has a few unique problems thrown in.

Recommended.
Meghan in Esopus

I'd recommend this book: it's a great book with a really good message. It's important to be proud of who you are and where you come from.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus

Ben, a troubled boy with two gay fathers, is moved to the country where he learns the value of hard work and respect.

This was a good, entertaining read that shows that sometimes the meanest people in the world have reasons for doing what they do.

Outstanding.
Joe in Esopus

THIS IS WHAT I DID by Ann Dee Ellis

Logan's friend, Zyler, was in an abusive situation with his dad, and neither Logan or Zyler tell anyone. A girl named Cami ends up hurt by Zyler's father. Logan moves and is bullied by people in his school and scout troop.

It is important to tell someone if you or a friend are in an abusive situation or if you are being bullied I would recommend this book to a friend. It is good because it is a mystery, so you don't find out exactly what happened to Logan until the end.

Recommended.
Malina in Greenville

I think this book would teach kids about how it feels to be bullied.

Recommended.
Musfera in Esopus