Review: The Bully Book

Dec •  11 •  2012

Title: The Bully Book

Series: No
Genre: Young Adult-Contemporary
Author: Eric Kahn Gale
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: December 26, 2012
Book: ARC sent by publisher
Video Review: HERE

“The rules governing middle school are often a mystery, but for Eric Haskins, they’re a mystery he needs to solve, and fast. He’s a normal, average kid, until sixth grade starts. For some inexplicable reason, the class bully and his pack make Eric the Grunt. Even his best friend since first grade turns on him. Eric can’t figure out why he’s the Grunt until he hears about the Bully Book, a cryptic guide that teaches you how to “make trouble without getting in trouble, rule the school and be the man” and how to select the Grunt-the kid who will become the lowest of the low.
Eric Haskins may be this year’s Grunt for now, but he’s determined not to stay at the bottom of the social ladder forever. Hilarious and compelling, The Bully Book is a must-read for every tween, tween parent, librarian and educator!”

This book is a great story about both the bully and victim. This book totally took my back in time to the days of school. *cringes*
The plot is really good. It’s about a young man, who all of the sudden is getting picked on for no reason. He asks why and begins a search as how it all started. First off, I think that’s what most people ask. Why? Why me? What have I’ve done to deserve this? Back in high school, I was a nice girl. It wasn’t until both my heart and my feelings got hurt soo much that I grew claws, a sharp tongue, and money. The minute someone came back at me, I used all of those to my advantage. Most people who knew back in high school would say that I was stuck up. While, yes that was true, but it all resulted out of what THEY did to me. The taunting of my clothes ( I was poor, before I had money), my mother, my siblings, our car, our home, etc. So yeah, just like Eric, I asked questions. I couldn’t believe that my own “friends” would talk about that to me behind my back. *smh*
Just like this book, the bully book is an instruction manual as how to become a bully and pick a victim. Like Eric, I was victim of two books back in my day. The burn book in junior high, lots of things said about me in that. And the black book, in which seniors took bets on who they (freshman girls or fresh meat) can have sex with by prom. *smh* Like Eric I too ask to look at the book, I wanted to know what was said in them but I only got rumors and threats to stop asking about it. Later on, teachers got a hold of the book and it was never seen again.
But it did harden my heart to ice as the damage was already done. 
Sorry, that this review got a little off track but things like this really rile me up. I too was bullied and picked on. This story brought back everything I never want to go through again. For some people, high school is like the movies, but for me…it was a nightmare.
The Bully Book is great book that all should read. Regardless of what role you played in high school, I think much can be learned from it. Since I got a taste of both worlds, neither is fun. I wanted immensely for high school to be over and well, I just glad that I don’t ever have to be in that position again. Read The Bully Book. It will open your eyes to things you never knew before.
I give it 5 BITES!
Happy Reading!
Posted by on Dec 11, 2012 in 2012, Eric Kahn Gale, Review, Video Review, Young Adult | 6 comments

6 Comments

  1. Amy
    Dec 11, 2012

    So sorry to hear that you had to go through all of that when you were in school. It’s heart breaking how mean people can be to each other. I think this book should be in every school library and reach as many kids as possible. Fantastic review!! Also, I want to give you a hug. *hugs*

    • Savannah Bookswithbite
      Dec 11, 2012

      *Hugs back* Thank you Amy. High school was tough on me. And I am glad that I have learned and grown so much since then. I agree that this book should be read and put everywhere!

  2. Candace
    Dec 11, 2012

    This sounds like a book they should make EVERY high schooler read! Or younger (if it’s appropriate). I have noticed that bullying starts pretty young. I have a 7 year old and I’m constantly worried she’ll get picked on. So far (as far as I can tell) she’s loved by everyone, but I’m sure that won’t last…
    This one would definitely get me all riled up, that’s for sure!

    • Savannah Bookswithbite
      Dec 11, 2012

      Thanks Candance. I do too worry about my own child. He has Autism and right now in elementary there is no taunting, but I worry as he gets older.

  3. Melissa (Books and Things)
    Dec 11, 2012

    I’m sorry you had to go through that. I want to go back in time and kick some arse for you! I’m thinking this is an important book for teachers as well as students and parents alike. So glad you are bringing it to everyone’s attention!