My cousin gave me an interesting book titled "Bystander", by James Preller. (Thank you, Kerry!) If you read the Jigsaw Jones mystery series when you were younger, you have already read some of Mr. Preller's work. "Bystander," however, is grown up subject matter and is more appropriate for students about to enter middle school--you!
When 12-year-old Eric moves to a new town, he thinks his only problems are fitting in at his new school and dealing with his parents' separation. Boy, is he wrong. Eric gets mixed up with the local bully, Griffin, and goes from being a witness to a target in no time. Does Eric stay a victim? Can he do anything to keep others from becoming victims, too? You'll have to read "Bystander" to find out.
I liked this book, because the topic is timely; we just had a discussion about bullies the week before I received it. Mr. Preller includes a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King on the book jacket. It says, "In the end we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." Then he writes, "Let's all make some noise." What do you think Dr. King and Mr. Preller mean?
nice Mrs.Graves
ReplyDeleteHi, I found this recommendation thanks to "Google Alerts," which brings this kind of thing to my attention. I really appreciate that you took the time to read my book and write about it here.
ReplyDeleteAs far as making some noise? I think you just did. I recently posted a couple of brief videos about "the bystander effect" on my blog at jamespreller(dot)com. They touch upon "the diffusion of responsibility" and how one person can make a huge difference in the actions of others.
BTW, it sounds like you've got a pretty terrific cousin!
Thanks, too, for the Jigsaw Jones shout out. I'm still crazy about that guy.
James Preller
Let's hope more authors write on your blog!!!
ReplyDeleteI think Bystander will be a great book. I will give it a try and see how I like it.
ReplyDeleteSimran B
Bystander is really a great book. Things in the book can really happen if you meet a bully.
ReplyDeleteEverbody should give this book a try!!!
I recommed this book to anyone who likes realistic-fiction.
Also I give this book 5 stars out of 5 stars!!
thanks for the tip Mrs.Graves By stander i not my type of book, but I'm going try it out it might be different pulse you have good taste so you wouldn't recommend it if you didn't like it. If I am ever looking for a good book I'll come to you first
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you Sofia! You are correct; I DO have good taste! Let me know what you think.
ReplyDeleteseriously Mrs.Graves :/
ReplyDeleteI loved this book. It was well written and very suspenseful. It really was a nonstop page turner. If you have another book that is similar, please let me know.
ReplyDeleteLeigh Kutach
Leigh, would you believe . . . HICCUPS FOR ELEPHANT.
ReplyDeleteOn second thought, I don't know that it has quite the suspense of BYSTANDER. But it does have about 40,000 less words!
I'm currently writing my first true Young Adult novel. It's very exciting for me to try something new, and to go through that experience of wondering, "Can I do this?"
Thanks for your comments about my book.
James Preller
Mr. Preller,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book information. I just picked up your book "Along Came Spider" and will let you know how I like it. I will also read Hiccups for Elephants.
P.S.- Eileen and I work together. I love books.
Leigh, if you don't like, you don't have to tell me!
ReplyDeleteJP
Just finished Along Came Spider...great book about how Spider deals with a "Special" friend. Read to find out what Spider and his friend, Trey, get along in and out of school. Will their friendship last since Trey is "different?"
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I have at least 2 other books I plan to read over spring break. I'll recommend them if I enjoy them.
Leigh