From School Library Journal
Gr 8 Up-Teens from New York-based Youth Communication pen autobiographical essays about their struggles with bullies, anger about bad home situations and unfair treatment, and pressure to conform or be successful. While not graphic or overly profane, their well-written stories are often harrowing to read, with frank accounts of abuse, neglect, sexuality, and crushing loneliness. Vicious is the darkest of the three, focusing on the destructive results of cruelty. In contrast, what is most striking about Rage and Pressure is the teens' resilience as they seek aid, learn coping strategies, or find outlets for self-expression. Introductions and concluding sections provide general information and resources. Teens will identify with the writers, discover that their own problems are not unique, and be encouraged to find help, making these titles, particularly Rage and Pressure, solid choices. α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Drawn straight from the world of contemporary teens, this volume collects 20 young people’s true experiences of bullying at school, on the street, and online. Each of the chapters is filled with interactive personal scenarios that will make for great group discussions about the isolation of the victim, the cruelty of the perpetrator, the shame of both, and the helplessness of the bystander. Elie fights off his tormentors, but he loses his friends when he acts too tough with everyone. African American Shaniqua is teased for acting white. Bisexual Lavell feels hurt and alone until she finds acceptance with a LGBTQ group. Of course, cyberbullying is a huge problem, and in one case, the behavior spills over from Facebook into a real-life threat. Part of the Real Teen Voices series, this title includes a brief final chapter about how adults can help. There are no pat solutions: one teen who decides to stop letting ugly remarks get to him realizes that that’s easier said than done. It is that honesty that will keep teens engaged. Grades 6-10. --Hazel Rochman
Review
“Teens from New York-based Youth Communication pen autobiographical essays about their struggles with bullies, anger about bad home situations and unfair treatment, and pressure to conform or be successful. While not graphic or overly profane, their well-written stories are often harrowing to read, with frank accounts of abuse, neglect, sexuality, and crushing loneliness . . . What is most striking . . . is the teens’ resilience as they seek aid, learn coping strategies, or find outlets for self-expression.”—School Library Journal
“This would be excellent for younger teens, as it presents the messages of be true to yourself, stand up for yourself, be yourself, and be kind . . . these are messages that need to be heard as early as possible.”—VOYA
“The authentic teen voices shine through, with appeal and value for a wide audience.”—Youth Today
Book Description
Gritty, honest personal stories from teens offer courage and hope in the face of bullying.
About the Author
Youth Communication is a New York–based nonprofit organization that teaches writing, journalism, and leadership skills to inner-city teens. Its mission is to help marginalized youth develop their full potential through reading and writing, so that they can succeed in school and at work and contribute to their communities.
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