chrissireads's review
4.0
This book was a really interesting read. I’m not usually one for reading short stories or anthologies, but I knew this one would be a good one to read. It’s so important that we’re talking about bullying because it’s such a pressing issue for many people. The statistics about bullying are shocking e.g. every 7 minutes a child is bullied on the playground… it breaks my heart.
Dear Bully is intriguing because it’s told from authors who have been bullied, who observed bullying and did nothing and also have bullied themselves. Some of the tales are particularly moving and poignant. They also take different forms and the poetry letters to a bully really touched me. Words are so powerful, whether written or spoken and some of these author’s experiences broke me.
I really enjoyed Dear Bully because it was such a raw read. The authors really didn’t hold back. I think it’s so important to read books like these to know that you’re not alone and that you can stand up for yourself.
Dear Bully is intriguing because it’s told from authors who have been bullied, who observed bullying and did nothing and also have bullied themselves. Some of the tales are particularly moving and poignant. They also take different forms and the poetry letters to a bully really touched me. Words are so powerful, whether written or spoken and some of these author’s experiences broke me.
I really enjoyed Dear Bully because it was such a raw read. The authors really didn’t hold back. I think it’s so important to read books like these to know that you’re not alone and that you can stand up for yourself.
lazygal's review
3.0
I have a feeling that educators will be encouraged to make this a Must Read for teachers and students - while I think it's a good idea, it won't stop bullying. The way these authors have (after the fact) confronted their bullies, or dealt with the pain and the situation while they were being bullied will resonate with those who are in the same position; those that are doing the bullying probably won't see themselves in these portraits (although they may see themselves as being bullied, which is often the case). It might be better to choose a few to use as writing prompts for everyone to talk about what their pain is, but make it anonymous so as to protect everyone.
For adults, I think many of us will recognize either ourselves or people we knew in these portraits. A little reflection is never a bad thing.
ARC provided by publisher.
For adults, I think many of us will recognize either ourselves or people we knew in these portraits. A little reflection is never a bad thing.
ARC provided by publisher.
cmdc325's review
4.0
I really liked this book. It gave me a view on what really happens. I have mot been bullied terribly, but I have been a bystander. There were a couple people that I knew who were bullied and I stood and watched. This book made me realized how guilty I felt for not speaking up. I recommend this book for everyone because we all need to realize that bullying needs to stop.
spark_olaguez's review
5.0
You know you are going to cry but you just don't how much? That me when reading this with short story of my favorite author and new ones I fell in love. This is a easy read to skip this page to some drawing of a dog to yelling at your sister when you promise to be a better sister.Where I learn a story from Heather Brewer and Lauren Oliver.
hanna41's review
4.0
Wow, powerful stuff! Made me think of my time in school when I was bullied and when I did a bit of bullying myself. As an educator it reminds me how bullying operates and that it's often out of my sight. We need to be on the lookout and actively involved.
orangerful's review
Just read Mo Willems' story in this book, written in comic format, of course. I really liked it and might go back to see what others said, but I can't imagine they say anything different from what Mo said.
ainiali's review
4.0
This anthology has all kind of stories about bully especially in school. 70+ authors share their stories either being bullied or being those who watch on the sideline wishing they could do something.
Bully is an issue that already exist generation after generation, years after years, 50 years ago & may be 50 years to come. Being bullied can shape victim either consciously or unconsciously into who they're today. In some cases it's end badly i.e suicide.
The reason I picked up this book is R.L Stine, my favorite author wrote his experience too. Now, that i finished it i'm glad that i did. A few stories tugged my heart, made me grateful for my childhood & school years.
This book is for those bullies, those who had been bullied, bystanders, parents, kids, teenagers,adults i.e everyone. It's full of motivation, that one day the sun will shine, bullying can be beaten, if only everyone stand up to beat it.
Bully is an issue that already exist generation after generation, years after years, 50 years ago & may be 50 years to come. Being bullied can shape victim either consciously or unconsciously into who they're today. In some cases it's end badly i.e suicide.
The reason I picked up this book is R.L Stine, my favorite author wrote his experience too. Now, that i finished it i'm glad that i did. A few stories tugged my heart, made me grateful for my childhood & school years.
This book is for those bullies, those who had been bullied, bystanders, parents, kids, teenagers,adults i.e everyone. It's full of motivation, that one day the sun will shine, bullying can be beaten, if only everyone stand up to beat it.
philyra91's review
4.0
Dear Bully is a collection of stories by 70 authors. They all had experiences with bullies, whether they were the victims, the bullies themselves, or bystanders who did nothing. The novel was really easy to get through because each story was really short, 4-6 pages at most. Some were even only 2 pages. The stories are definitely personal, intimate and all touching. It makes me really grateful for the fact that my bullying experiences weren't as bad as some of the ones portrayed in Dear Bully. I definitely recommend Dear Bully to all teenagers, whether they're facing bullies or not, because the one message in here is this: You are not alone. It does get better.
mountie9's review
5.0
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 human
The 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 picky
Favorite 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 Zink
Who 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 it
4.75 Dewey's
I received this from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review
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 human
The 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 picky
Favorite 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 Zink
Who 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 it
4.75 Dewey's
I received this from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review