The Survival Guide to Bullying

June 22, 2015
“I know what it’s like to be hated for no reason... and to feel alone with no end in sight.” Mayrock’s debut, first self-published as an e-book in 2014, offers earnest advice for those struggling with bullying. Quizzes framed as chat exchanges, bullet points, and Mayrock’s “roems” (rap poems) help walk readers through types of bullying, surviving “in the trenches,” self-acceptance, and taking action when necessary. Readers may recognize their own struggles in her emotionally charged verse (“I’ve been broken/ Bruised/ Stabbed and subdued/ Submerged in darkness/ Told there would be no light”), and while Mayrock acknowledges that her suggestions won’t instantly solve readers’ bullying problems, she offers a range of ideas (such as embracing hobbies, expanding social circles, and unplugging from the Internet) that may help make the light at the end of the tunnel feel a bit closer. Ages 10–up. Agent: Jay Kramer.

October 1, 2015

Gr 4-7-In this revised edition of a self-published title, Mayrock, a college freshman, draws on her own experiences as a victim of bullying in middle and high school in order to help other teens. Her first-person voice is conversational and encouraging, and she offers practical survival tips (verified by experts), such as the importance of asking for adult help. Only occasionally does the advice veer into platitudes (for instance, "a war isn't won overnight"). The format and design are occasionally distracting, but on the whole, each chapter is useful as a guide to stand-alone topics, such as coping with cyberbullying and handling fear, making this a good title for young adults to consult in a moment of need. Some of the practical advice includes letter writing (penning a letter to loved ones about bullying situations), accepting oneself, and embracing creativity. Mayrock clearly relied on these steps herself; her creativity can be seen through the poems interspersed throughout. Each relates to the topic of the given chapter and conveys the raw emotions and reality of bullying. VERDICT This slim guide will be a ready resource for young people.-Ernie Cox, Prairie Creek Intermediate School, Cedar Rapids, IA

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