Letters to a Bullied Girl: Messages of Healing and Hope

Authors: Olivia Gardner, Emily Buder, Sarah Buder https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Bullied-girl-alone-no-more-She-finds-comfort-in-2559074.php
Publisher: Harper Paperbacks
Date of Publication: 2008
Illustrator: n/a
Genre Designation: Non-Fiction
Lexile: n/a

Letters To A Bullied Girl: Messages of Healing and Hope

Summary:

Olivia Gardner was bullied without reprieve for two years at the age of 14. She even switched school hoping things would change and they did not. She suffered from epilepsy and that was a source of the taunting at the hands of her bullies. In addition there were two girls, Emily and Sarah Buder who began collecting letters from people that were bullied as well as bullies. They have a couple stories of adults who bullied as adolescents and what they think of that now. Most could not explain why they bullied. This is a book of hope, they want people to read these stories and know you are not alone. 

Target Audience:

I would recommend this book for 4th grade-Adult.

Evaluation:

The subject matter in this book is hard to read at times. There is a message of hope through sharing stories. In addition, they hope people will not remain silent about bullying. The material is authentic and raw, but written purely with the intent to educate and prevent.

Reader Response Activity:

The material in this book is heavy. I would have students read it or pick certain stories for them to read. I would then have them write a question or comment and put them anonymously in a bowl. The teacher would then draw one out and discuss as a class. This way students would be more willing to share if their privacy is protected.