amplify your
the official anti-bullying resource kit of
voice
for parents, teachers and school officials.
#spiritday glaad.org/spiritday
anti-bullying reading list “Sorry.” After destroying a classmate’s science
class, where she receives the support of her art
looks at teen violence through the eyes of the
project, he learns from his teacher that his
teacher. It is eventually revealed that Melinda
aggressor.
behavior is unacceptable and that empty
was the victim of a brutal rape at the party,
words cannot undo his pranks. The book
which prompts her peers to express sympathy
“Breaking Point”
is for elementary students, and includes an
and support.
By Alex Flinn IN her second novel, Flinn focuses on why
afterword by apology expert Dr. Aaron Lazare
“Letter to a Bullied Girl: Messages of Healing and Hope”
teens commit violence. The protagonist, Paul,
By Olivia Gardner, Emily Buder, and Sarah
home-schooling to a wealthy prep school. He
Buder
is harassed because he is the son of a poor
After Olivia Gardner, a 14-year-old
single mom and only has one friend. He is
“Please Don’t Cry, Cheyenne”
Californian was severely taunted and
soon manipulated by Charlie, a popular boy,
By Candy J. Beard
cyberbullied, teens from a neighboring town
who convinces him to hack into the school’s
The book follows Cheyenne, a junior high
decided to take action. They initiated a letter-
computers. Things take a turn for the worse
student who is bullied for her family’s poor
writing campaign to lift her spirits that become
when another bullied student commits suicide.
financial status and her plain looks. She suffers
the basis for this book. It contains letters from
Eventually, Paul becomes so enamored with
humiliation at the hands of a “rich clique.” The
bullying victims, remorseful bullies, bystanders
Charlie that he considers planting a bomb in
story illustrates Cheyenne’s journey towards
and advice from expert Barbara Coloroso (The
the school to gain his acceptance. The book
inner strength.
Bully, the bullied, and the Bystander).
follows Charlie as he learns about himself and
“Speak” (1999)
“Breathing Underwater” (2001)
By Laurie Halse Anderson
By Alex Flinn
“Hate List”
Laurie Halse’s “Speak” was named a 2000
“Breathing Underwater” tells the fictional
By Jennifer Brown
Prinze Honor Book, and has earned about a
story of Nick Andreas, an abusive boyfriend,
Valarie and her boyfriend were bullied and
dozen additional accolades. It tells the story
through his journal. The book reveals Nick’s
create a “Hate List” in retaliation. Valarie finds
of the fictional Melinda Sordino, a high school
thoughts through his turbulent relationship with
herself in turmoil after her boyfriend opens fire
and discussion questions
Books for Teens & Pre-Teens
is targeted by bullies when he moves from
his relationships.
freshman who becomes an outcast after calling his girlfriend, Caitlin, his abuse, subsequent
at their high school. After her boyfriend kills 6
the cops on a summer party. The book follows
restraining order, and his journey through
students and a teacher and takes his own life,
Melinda as she loses her friends, interests, and
rehabilitation in a court-ordered family
Valarie must deal with the guilt from making
spirals into depression. Her only solace is art
violence class. The book is unique in that it
the list. The book follows her healing process
amplify your voice
glaad.org/spiritday
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