BYSTANDER by James Preller

 Bystander by James Preller

Bullies, Realistic Fiction, Divorce, Anxiety

226 pages

Description

School Library Journal (January 1, 2010)

Gr 6-9-Eric Hayes has moved from Ohio to Long Island, NY, with his mother and younger brother. His schizophrenic father left long ago. Eric soon meets Griffin Connelly, a handsome kid with natural leadership, lots of charisma, and a real mean streak. While Griffin is the perfect bully, David Hallenback is the perfect victim: beaten down and willing to do anything to get Griffin's approval. At first, Eric is a bystander, not participating in the bullying but not doing anything to stop it. However, several events move him out of this passive role: Griffin steals from him and reveals Eric's confidences about his father; adults at school address bullying; and Mary, a girl he likes, takes a stand against it. Eric realizes that his silence makes him complicit and speaks out, only to become Griffin's next victim. Preller has perfectly nailed the middle school milieu, and his characters are well developed with authentic voices. The novel has a parablelike quality, steeped in a moral lesson, yet not ploddingly didactic. The action moves quickly, keeping readers engaged. The ending is realistic: there's no strong resolution, no punishment or forgiveness. Focusing on the large majority of young people who stand by mutely and therefore complicitly, this must-read book is a great discussion starter that pairs well with a Holocaust unit.-Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.

My Comments
This is a popular book with 6th and 7th graders, although painful for me as an adult to read. It brings to mind 'The Lord of the Flies,' though obviously not as brutal - but brutal enough. The characters are very well developed. It was difficult to watch the main victim accept the bullying in a fruitless attempt to be popular. I really liked the ending, which was positive, but not what I expected. Great choice, especially for middle school.