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The Snake Pit
It's always hard to be the new girl at school, but for Cinda, it's a nightmare. Born with a facial deformity, Cinda endures the taunts and teases of other students without complaint, until one girl takes bullying too far...way too far.
- GenresYoung Adult
64 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2010
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 18, 2011
I defiantly enjoyed reading the Snake Pit.
I was really sceptical about the story at first, due to the slender length and then the style in which it was written (direct dialogue, almost like a police report), but was taken into the story as I read. Reading this book reminded me that length isn't always a significant factor in a story, as long as the message gets across in what writing there is.
The story started off mysteriously, with questions asked about a young girl. It is not said what became of her until the story's conclusion, but it is immediately obvious that whatever happened was nothing good. In turn, all main characters are interviewed, giving their interpretations of factors leading up to the ending.
The theme in the book is like a vivid slap in the face, a display of how truly dark discrimination and its consequences are. Constantly, the character Cindy, encounters various amounts of prejudice in horrifying displays of cruelty, due to a facial abnormality. The other characters however, accept and downplay the problem, and Cindy often feels helpless to influence the way in which she is treated.
Though the book has an ending that leaves you feeling somewhat hopeless, the characters represent qualities of real children, and real endings to many real problems. Some might say some characters are too in depth, too cruel, or too intelligent, since most of them are only children, and it is unsettling to see how cruel young persons can be. However, it is only in the stronger novels and books that all the aspects of a child is displayed, good and bad. So, as with the famous Ender's Game, the potential for cruelty among children is not ignored in the story, and is an important component to consider when reading.
The characters are fittingly predictable and unpredictable at the same time, flowing the way people do in real life. The antagonist is always the antagonist, but everyone else is very in depth, learning to view the world differently through the treatment Cindy receives. By the end of the book the antagonist, originally being followed almost like a cult leader, is shamed, though there is little joy in seeing the character punished, in light of the rest of the novel. Seeing the darker characters apprehended will cause the reader, however, to have a sense of justice, and to wonder about dealing with cruel people in their own lives.
As well as dealing with good themes, like discrimination, growth of characters, and realism, the book is simplistic in language, though certainly not written with the grace of an amature. What this is to say, is that the book is written in a context anyone can understand, an old man, a young woman, or most importantly, a younger child. I find this significant, especially since the book is such a powerful message to the way young people everywhere behave. Therefore, if a newer reader attempts to read this book, they will learn an aspect of discrimination in a context immediately relatable and comprehensible to them, which is excellent. Few other sources are as educational to children.
Despite all these good points though, I recall my reaction to reading the ending, which has a feel of hopelessness. Regardless of how it feels upon reflection, which is a feeling of being shown the outcomes of behaviours in the world, and promotes the value to disregard prejudice, it makes you feel foolish for having any hope throughout the book. It is also unclear of what great good has come in the end, because though the characters have achieved inner growth, it is unclear if this new perspective will shift anything in the world. Due to this, it appears difficult to conceive the notion of a sequel being written, as there are no true loose ends, leaving only a few opportunities for imagination to write a reader an ending.
Regardless of these relatively mild downfalls, The Snake Pit is a truly vivid expereince to read, and promises to make the reader think about controversial issues, and wonder about themselves. As the book is easy to understand, and would not take up too much time, I would recommend it to any level of reader, specifically middle age school children, and would recommend it to you.
I was really sceptical about the story at first, due to the slender length and then the style in which it was written (direct dialogue, almost like a police report), but was taken into the story as I read. Reading this book reminded me that length isn't always a significant factor in a story, as long as the message gets across in what writing there is.
The story started off mysteriously, with questions asked about a young girl. It is not said what became of her until the story's conclusion, but it is immediately obvious that whatever happened was nothing good. In turn, all main characters are interviewed, giving their interpretations of factors leading up to the ending.
The theme in the book is like a vivid slap in the face, a display of how truly dark discrimination and its consequences are. Constantly, the character Cindy, encounters various amounts of prejudice in horrifying displays of cruelty, due to a facial abnormality. The other characters however, accept and downplay the problem, and Cindy often feels helpless to influence the way in which she is treated.
Though the book has an ending that leaves you feeling somewhat hopeless, the characters represent qualities of real children, and real endings to many real problems. Some might say some characters are too in depth, too cruel, or too intelligent, since most of them are only children, and it is unsettling to see how cruel young persons can be. However, it is only in the stronger novels and books that all the aspects of a child is displayed, good and bad. So, as with the famous Ender's Game, the potential for cruelty among children is not ignored in the story, and is an important component to consider when reading.
The characters are fittingly predictable and unpredictable at the same time, flowing the way people do in real life. The antagonist is always the antagonist, but everyone else is very in depth, learning to view the world differently through the treatment Cindy receives. By the end of the book the antagonist, originally being followed almost like a cult leader, is shamed, though there is little joy in seeing the character punished, in light of the rest of the novel. Seeing the darker characters apprehended will cause the reader, however, to have a sense of justice, and to wonder about dealing with cruel people in their own lives.
As well as dealing with good themes, like discrimination, growth of characters, and realism, the book is simplistic in language, though certainly not written with the grace of an amature. What this is to say, is that the book is written in a context anyone can understand, an old man, a young woman, or most importantly, a younger child. I find this significant, especially since the book is such a powerful message to the way young people everywhere behave. Therefore, if a newer reader attempts to read this book, they will learn an aspect of discrimination in a context immediately relatable and comprehensible to them, which is excellent. Few other sources are as educational to children.
Despite all these good points though, I recall my reaction to reading the ending, which has a feel of hopelessness. Regardless of how it feels upon reflection, which is a feeling of being shown the outcomes of behaviours in the world, and promotes the value to disregard prejudice, it makes you feel foolish for having any hope throughout the book. It is also unclear of what great good has come in the end, because though the characters have achieved inner growth, it is unclear if this new perspective will shift anything in the world. Due to this, it appears difficult to conceive the notion of a sequel being written, as there are no true loose ends, leaving only a few opportunities for imagination to write a reader an ending.
Regardless of these relatively mild downfalls, The Snake Pit is a truly vivid expereince to read, and promises to make the reader think about controversial issues, and wonder about themselves. As the book is easy to understand, and would not take up too much time, I would recommend it to any level of reader, specifically middle age school children, and would recommend it to you.
March 17, 2013
Reading "The Snake Pit" brought back memories of my junior high school days when classmates made fun of me for being fat. Kids can be brutal and the effects of bullying can be severe. Donna Dillon's account of Cinda's abuse and the outcome from the abuse makes it clear why bullying should never be tolerated.
I like the way the author gave each character his/her own chance to voice his/her story. To see the events through their eyes makes the reader realize how one event can be seen many different ways. Also, how people can be selectively blind to what they prefer not to see.
This book should be required reading in all middle schools for students and teachers. By reading this book, hopefully they will realize that bullying can destroy lives and should be stopped as soon as it is spotted.
I like the way the author gave each character his/her own chance to voice his/her story. To see the events through their eyes makes the reader realize how one event can be seen many different ways. Also, how people can be selectively blind to what they prefer not to see.
This book should be required reading in all middle schools for students and teachers. By reading this book, hopefully they will realize that bullying can destroy lives and should be stopped as soon as it is spotted.
June 18, 2011
Excellent book, should be part of school reads for elementary schools. Glad you shared this with me.
January 10, 2012
Once in a while a story comes along that is simple, but impactful. Full of horror and nastiness, but still delicate and gently told. Chaotic in presentation, and for a good reason.
The Snake Pit is all of these, and more. Within this narrative, the author tells a tale of hideous bullying and the ramifications of this type of behavior. But she tells it in such a way that you don’t know what really happens until the very end, even though doom is lurking around every corner. This is not a book about someone shot by a gang, or physically beaten by the school tough-guys. It is not about what most people think of as bullying. It is an adventure in psychological abuse and torment of a child who simply cannot help who they are.
Readers of this story will relate it well to what we hear in the news on an all-to-regular basis. This type of bullying is spreading, and this author keeps that in our minds without trying to do so. A well-written narrative, a gripping story that is subtly told but no less impactful because of this. A lack of dialogue and direct character interactions, except as viewed through the eyes of other characters in the book is a unique aspect of this novella. It keeps the reader guessing and wondering continuously, and also reduces any single point of view to an intellectual consideration, rather than a direct feature. In essence, it allows us to be part of the story, because we end up being the recipient of the words and stories told by the characters. The author wrote this novella so the reader becomes the detective investigating the misdeeds of the bullies in the narrative. This is a unique way to experience a book, having the characters tell you the entire story.
The novel does need a bit of a line edit and some tightening up in places, but that does not detract from it very much at all. My sources tell me that the author is working on this now.
The brevity of the story, and the willingness of the author to inject so much pure feeling into it, combine to produce a book that is impactful and emotionally gripping. Readers do not have time, nor the opportunity to become bored, and the pace and characters of the book keep us engaged the whole time. A strong debut from an insightful writer, The Snake Pit may leave you angry, sad, worried, and perhaps even educated. If you are seeking a true-to-life story, with strong characters and powerful scenes, I recommend it. It will not let you down.
The Snake Pit is all of these, and more. Within this narrative, the author tells a tale of hideous bullying and the ramifications of this type of behavior. But she tells it in such a way that you don’t know what really happens until the very end, even though doom is lurking around every corner. This is not a book about someone shot by a gang, or physically beaten by the school tough-guys. It is not about what most people think of as bullying. It is an adventure in psychological abuse and torment of a child who simply cannot help who they are.
Readers of this story will relate it well to what we hear in the news on an all-to-regular basis. This type of bullying is spreading, and this author keeps that in our minds without trying to do so. A well-written narrative, a gripping story that is subtly told but no less impactful because of this. A lack of dialogue and direct character interactions, except as viewed through the eyes of other characters in the book is a unique aspect of this novella. It keeps the reader guessing and wondering continuously, and also reduces any single point of view to an intellectual consideration, rather than a direct feature. In essence, it allows us to be part of the story, because we end up being the recipient of the words and stories told by the characters. The author wrote this novella so the reader becomes the detective investigating the misdeeds of the bullies in the narrative. This is a unique way to experience a book, having the characters tell you the entire story.
The novel does need a bit of a line edit and some tightening up in places, but that does not detract from it very much at all. My sources tell me that the author is working on this now.
The brevity of the story, and the willingness of the author to inject so much pure feeling into it, combine to produce a book that is impactful and emotionally gripping. Readers do not have time, nor the opportunity to become bored, and the pace and characters of the book keep us engaged the whole time. A strong debut from an insightful writer, The Snake Pit may leave you angry, sad, worried, and perhaps even educated. If you are seeking a true-to-life story, with strong characters and powerful scenes, I recommend it. It will not let you down.
October 20, 2012
The tale of The Snake Pit is told in the best way possible, through the eyes and in the words of each character from their unique point of view. Everyone could see the same things, but interpreted them differently. Through the eyes of a best friend we learn of the uniqueness of the main character, Cinda. We can see how even though Cinda smiled and seemed to ignore the bullying, she was deeply distressed by it. The boy , good looking and friendly did his best to diffuse the situation which only seemed to make matters worse. The callous words of the visually perfect, main bully who could see no wrong in the way she treated another human she considered to be damaged, was the most disturbing because it showed the mind of the bully. Some kids are so mean and once they see a fault in someone or a gem they don't have within themselves they attack.
The voices that bothered me the most were the voices of the adults. Their preconceived ideas of what or who are natural problems were no different than a child's view and they always chose to close their eyes to the problem
And in the end, Cinda tells us more than anyone in the story ever could, bullying hurts to the soul. It can kill the spirit and the very essence of a human. I don't know if it's good to say I loved this story, but I will because it helped me to understand how we need to look deeper than at what is on the surface. How we as parents and care givers should pay attention to all that is going on in the lives of our children and that we should hold the schools responsible if no actions or corrections or made when bullying occurs in or outside of the school's jurisdiction. If it happens beyond the gates, you can best believe it is happening in the hallways.
This is a book I think every adult and teen should read.
The voices that bothered me the most were the voices of the adults. Their preconceived ideas of what or who are natural problems were no different than a child's view and they always chose to close their eyes to the problem
And in the end, Cinda tells us more than anyone in the story ever could, bullying hurts to the soul. It can kill the spirit and the very essence of a human. I don't know if it's good to say I loved this story, but I will because it helped me to understand how we need to look deeper than at what is on the surface. How we as parents and care givers should pay attention to all that is going on in the lives of our children and that we should hold the schools responsible if no actions or corrections or made when bullying occurs in or outside of the school's jurisdiction. If it happens beyond the gates, you can best believe it is happening in the hallways.
This is a book I think every adult and teen should read.
September 24, 2012
This story brought me to tears, especially at the end. As one who was bullied mercilessly as a teen, this tragic story hit me hard. Heart in throat because I knew the outcome wasn't going to be good, I felt compelled to keep reading without stopping. Cinda's story left me feeling heartbreak, outrage and a deep admiration for the courage she demonstrated in the face of relentless abuse. I felt her as much as I felt for her.
What really struck me was the principal's blase attitude toward the abuse of Cinda by his friend's daughter Lisa. He wouldn't believe that such a sweet, pretty girl was capable of such ugliness. This is too often the case. I remember getting a similar reaction when I confided in a school counselor about the girls who were harassing me. "Those girls?" she said, surprised. "But they're such nice, well-behaved girls!" Educators need to open their eyes to what is really going on in their schools because every school has at least one Cinda and one Lisa.
I would like to see a copy of this book in every school library. It should be read by every child who has ever called someone a name or teased someone for being different. Even more importantly, it should be read by educators. Too often teachers and school principals turn a blind eye to this sort of thing. I will be purchasing a paperback copy to give to a friend of mine who works for the local school board.
Well done. TEN stars!
What really struck me was the principal's blase attitude toward the abuse of Cinda by his friend's daughter Lisa. He wouldn't believe that such a sweet, pretty girl was capable of such ugliness. This is too often the case. I remember getting a similar reaction when I confided in a school counselor about the girls who were harassing me. "Those girls?" she said, surprised. "But they're such nice, well-behaved girls!" Educators need to open their eyes to what is really going on in their schools because every school has at least one Cinda and one Lisa.
I would like to see a copy of this book in every school library. It should be read by every child who has ever called someone a name or teased someone for being different. Even more importantly, it should be read by educators. Too often teachers and school principals turn a blind eye to this sort of thing. I will be purchasing a paperback copy to give to a friend of mine who works for the local school board.
Well done. TEN stars!
August 10, 2014
The Snake Pit: Jr. High Can Be Torture by Donna Dillon is a powerful explosive read. I loved the conversational style in which this story was told. Actually it was students, teachers and parents talking to a detective. It’s not overly dramatic but packs a good punch. This book deserves a big WOW. from me. I was instantly pulled in and emotionally involved.
This is written how a person would talk. Very natural. Right to the point. The message was as clear as day and not at all made you feel that any of it was made up for entertainment value.
There needs to be more to stop the bullies in their tracks. I love that the author is dedicated to just that. She writes with true conviction and passion. Her message should be spread far and wide. I believe this is a book that everyone should read. Not just young people. This violence is spread world wide and is an epidemic. Teachers should be sharing this in their classrooms and parents should be reading it to their children. Same goes for libraries. The Snake Pit should be available in all libraries, as well.
The author tells this story with grace but without holding back. She puts it out there and it is effective. Psychological abuse can be just as bad as the physical kind. This is a relatable story and the message is universal. Highly recommend.
This is written how a person would talk. Very natural. Right to the point. The message was as clear as day and not at all made you feel that any of it was made up for entertainment value.
There needs to be more to stop the bullies in their tracks. I love that the author is dedicated to just that. She writes with true conviction and passion. Her message should be spread far and wide. I believe this is a book that everyone should read. Not just young people. This violence is spread world wide and is an epidemic. Teachers should be sharing this in their classrooms and parents should be reading it to their children. Same goes for libraries. The Snake Pit should be available in all libraries, as well.
The author tells this story with grace but without holding back. She puts it out there and it is effective. Psychological abuse can be just as bad as the physical kind. This is a relatable story and the message is universal. Highly recommend.
February 10, 2013
This is a short but powerful tale about high school is not as safe as anyone thinks, bullies come in all shapes, sizes and popularity. There are little angels that are are really wicked and the adults can not see the truth in front of them. It is an excellent story and a resource to be taught in classrooms everywhere.
The writing was light and serious at the time. A possible scenario and the friendships and peer pressure of the popular vs. the normal students is a tricky situation, to explain to teenagers. But you as an inspiring author explained it in an entertaining non fictional story about bullying, yet could come true.
The message comes across clear, All the community should be involved to stop it. and not hide their heads in the sand. The 21st century definitely needs more stories like these to teach the children the consequences and the aftermath of events that are mean and cruel. How the effects reverberant in the present and future of all involved and to receive consequences for the ones who do not stop bullying and violence before it gets out of control. This reader highly recommends this author and her books, she is wise beyond her years with her insight. This book can be read by all ages.
The writing was light and serious at the time. A possible scenario and the friendships and peer pressure of the popular vs. the normal students is a tricky situation, to explain to teenagers. But you as an inspiring author explained it in an entertaining non fictional story about bullying, yet could come true.
The message comes across clear, All the community should be involved to stop it. and not hide their heads in the sand. The 21st century definitely needs more stories like these to teach the children the consequences and the aftermath of events that are mean and cruel. How the effects reverberant in the present and future of all involved and to receive consequences for the ones who do not stop bullying and violence before it gets out of control. This reader highly recommends this author and her books, she is wise beyond her years with her insight. This book can be read by all ages.
February 11, 2015
I started reading The Snake Pit recently, and I was unable to put it down. Concise, tragic, and brutal.
Told in flashbacks from numerous points of view, The Snake Pit chronicles the seventh-grade trials of twelve-year-old Cinda, as she enters Hargrove Jr. High full of hope but falls victim to bullying immediately because she suffers a cleft palate. Despite the efforts of two friends that take her side, the bully elements of the school far outnumber them, and as the story progressed, so did my sense of dread. The story's climax hits you like a ton of bricks.
There is no doubt that bullying is a horrible thing that has not been given the attention it deserves. It destroys young lives and causes scars that quite often never heal, even well into adulthood. I give my thanks and congratulations to Donna Dillon for writing such a powerful book that, despite its short length, immerses us in an environment where the influences of poorly-guided kids hold sway over all others.
As a fellow author on the subject of bullying, I heartily recommend The Snake Pit. More books like these need to be written, and books of this quality most definitely deserve to be read. Only then can bullying finally be brought to an end.
Told in flashbacks from numerous points of view, The Snake Pit chronicles the seventh-grade trials of twelve-year-old Cinda, as she enters Hargrove Jr. High full of hope but falls victim to bullying immediately because she suffers a cleft palate. Despite the efforts of two friends that take her side, the bully elements of the school far outnumber them, and as the story progressed, so did my sense of dread. The story's climax hits you like a ton of bricks.
There is no doubt that bullying is a horrible thing that has not been given the attention it deserves. It destroys young lives and causes scars that quite often never heal, even well into adulthood. I give my thanks and congratulations to Donna Dillon for writing such a powerful book that, despite its short length, immerses us in an environment where the influences of poorly-guided kids hold sway over all others.
As a fellow author on the subject of bullying, I heartily recommend The Snake Pit. More books like these need to be written, and books of this quality most definitely deserve to be read. Only then can bullying finally be brought to an end.
January 9, 2015
This book has to be, without question, one of the best books on bullying I have ever read. It should be obligatory reading at all secondary schools. Cinda is different as she has a facial deformity. On her first day at school she trips and falls in the cafeteria and is the laughing stock of the whole school. This gives the queen bee and her followers reason to feel they can mercilessly bully her.
Cinda is a great character and Donna Dillon does a superb job of showing the full range of her emotions. She also shows the emotions and characteristics of all the main characters. It is a short book but the author, who is an adept writer, draws the characters well and keeps the story taut. It takes a unique approach to telling the story, which works well. It takes the form of interviews of all the key players. Although you know they are being interviewed you don't know why and this makes you keep reading. The author pulls no punches in telling the story and at times it can be a bit distressing. However this is necessary in order for the reader to get a sense of the impact of bullying.
I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to all teenagers and adults.
Cinda is a great character and Donna Dillon does a superb job of showing the full range of her emotions. She also shows the emotions and characteristics of all the main characters. It is a short book but the author, who is an adept writer, draws the characters well and keeps the story taut. It takes a unique approach to telling the story, which works well. It takes the form of interviews of all the key players. Although you know they are being interviewed you don't know why and this makes you keep reading. The author pulls no punches in telling the story and at times it can be a bit distressing. However this is necessary in order for the reader to get a sense of the impact of bullying.
I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to all teenagers and adults.
January 7, 2015
A thought-provoking story of bullying by the "more popular" crowd and the profound effect it has on the victim and all around them. It shows sometimes how teachers and adults putting bullying down to "children being children" and overlooking its serious nature can easily spin out of control.
For me, although set in an American Junior High it brings back memories of my own primary school days in England. For a period of time, my teacher also overlooked such antics, but I found the courage to stand up for myself and never looked back after that. Shame that the main character, Cinda was not afforded that luxury by her bullies leading to a devastating finale.
Well-written, Donna Dillon delves deep into the emotional psyche of all the characters before and during the events.
For me, although set in an American Junior High it brings back memories of my own primary school days in England. For a period of time, my teacher also overlooked such antics, but I found the courage to stand up for myself and never looked back after that. Shame that the main character, Cinda was not afforded that luxury by her bullies leading to a devastating finale.
Well-written, Donna Dillon delves deep into the emotional psyche of all the characters before and during the events.
July 10, 2012
Amazingly wonderful and terribly sad book about the bullying of a 12 year old 7th grade little girl. She was horribly teased by the kids in her new school for something she had absolutely no control over. This book should be a "must read" for all children in about 5th grade as well as by all of their parents. It really opened up my eyes as to how evil children can be to other children that are "different". This book truly broke my heart.
February 24, 2012
oops, added the wrong snake pit! who knew there were so many. a very short but very moving book about bullying and how far wrong it can go. you always hope that this is an extreme, but know deep down that it probably is not. a good quick read for junior high students to hopefully make them think about some of the things they say and do, and how it can affect someone else.
September 5, 2012
This book in my opinion should be required reading for all students in jr high and high school. I loved the writing style, the whole book is written like an interrogation or interview, and it lent a sense of reality to the story. The message…Bullying must stop!!!
I plan to read this one to my son (soon) and then have him reread it every year.
I plan to read this one to my son (soon) and then have him reread it every year.
June 21, 2011
I thought this book was a great read...I think that this book should be in all Middle school libraries...It would be a great assignment for a book report...I will and have suggested this to schools in our area...
June 19, 2011
Love it. I read it to both my daughters. This book should be a required read for all Jr. High kids. Boys and girls. We really need to stop bullys in our schools.
February 10, 2012
Taken from my blog: nicolestorey.wordpress.com
Good Friday to you all! I read a book the other day by Donna L. Dillon titled The Snake Pit: Junior High Can Be Torture, and I couldn’t wait to share my opinion on it with you all. As the mother of a special-needs child, I can’t count the times my son has been bullied. He never had any problems until he started middle-school (junior high). I recommend this book be required reading for ALL kids in middle-school, along with teachers and faculty! It could very well save a life.
Dillon was amazing in the way she tackled the issue of bullying and the pain it can cause. She doesn’t sugar-coat it; she tells it like it is. It has been my experience when dealing with school faculty with regards to bullying that they want to pass the responsibility (of keeping our kids safe) onto someone else, or they ignore the issue entirely. I have often been told that my son was bullied because “the P.E. class has too many kids in it and not enough teachers to watch them” or “unfortunately, we (teachers) can’t be everywhere at once.” I’m so glad that the author brings this up in her story. When it comes to bullying, there are usually many at fault, including the teachers, principal, and other kids who sit by and do nothing about it. Just because a child isn’t bullying someone directly does not make them any less guilty when they don’t try to stop it.
I noticed that some people did not like that the author told this story from different points-of-view in the first person. I, on the other hand, thought this approach led to the credibility of the story and characters. In my opinion, it made the book believable. In a case like this, someone is always trying to push blame on others and everyone has a different perspective on what happened.
Dillon has a slogan that she lives by and shares with others when it comes to the issue of bullying: Not in my school, Not in my class, Not in my sight! I can’t think of anything better to teach our kids!
Good Friday to you all! I read a book the other day by Donna L. Dillon titled The Snake Pit: Junior High Can Be Torture, and I couldn’t wait to share my opinion on it with you all. As the mother of a special-needs child, I can’t count the times my son has been bullied. He never had any problems until he started middle-school (junior high). I recommend this book be required reading for ALL kids in middle-school, along with teachers and faculty! It could very well save a life.
Dillon was amazing in the way she tackled the issue of bullying and the pain it can cause. She doesn’t sugar-coat it; she tells it like it is. It has been my experience when dealing with school faculty with regards to bullying that they want to pass the responsibility (of keeping our kids safe) onto someone else, or they ignore the issue entirely. I have often been told that my son was bullied because “the P.E. class has too many kids in it and not enough teachers to watch them” or “unfortunately, we (teachers) can’t be everywhere at once.” I’m so glad that the author brings this up in her story. When it comes to bullying, there are usually many at fault, including the teachers, principal, and other kids who sit by and do nothing about it. Just because a child isn’t bullying someone directly does not make them any less guilty when they don’t try to stop it.
I noticed that some people did not like that the author told this story from different points-of-view in the first person. I, on the other hand, thought this approach led to the credibility of the story and characters. In my opinion, it made the book believable. In a case like this, someone is always trying to push blame on others and everyone has a different perspective on what happened.
Dillon has a slogan that she lives by and shares with others when it comes to the issue of bullying: Not in my school, Not in my class, Not in my sight! I can’t think of anything better to teach our kids!
April 5, 2015
In a brilliant choice of writing style, this thoughtful story takes you through its characters one by one as it gives their point of view. Each character is making a statement to the police, all the characters in the book except one. That alone is chilling. We know that something has happened, but the truth of it isn't revealed until we are quite invested in the story. Effective use of suspense, mystery and narrative. Since our characters are talking to the police, we do know that whatever happened is not good. As their stories are told, we find consistencies and discrepancies which are quite revealing. The message of the book is clear enough and that this could happen in any junior high school anywhere in the nation, and probably does, should be chilling to anyone. The story has a strong message and I would say that is to listen, to watch, and be ready to speak out.
Because of the masterful way in which this story is told, it stays with you. It really impacts the reader and will hopefully trigger some righteous anger about the problem. Kids do learn a lot from the parents. A lot which is not good. I'd recommend this book for all ages no matter if you are in school, have kids in school or have anything to do with school. The patterns of behavior recounted in this story and experimented in school often don't end after school. We see it in our society all the time.
Because of the masterful way in which this story is told, it stays with you. It really impacts the reader and will hopefully trigger some righteous anger about the problem. Kids do learn a lot from the parents. A lot which is not good. I'd recommend this book for all ages no matter if you are in school, have kids in school or have anything to do with school. The patterns of behavior recounted in this story and experimented in school often don't end after school. We see it in our society all the time.
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