I’ve been in summer mode, it’s the quiet season for teachers and librarians, and I’ve been taking a break from my weekly Fan Mail Wednesday feature. But here’s a letter that might be useful to some of you out there, edited ever-so-slightly for privacy . . .
Hello, Mr. Preller. I am a Library Media Specialist in Virginia. Your book is on the Virginia Reader’s Choice Awards list and is a Battle of the Books selection. Because of that, I read it last spring. I loved it so much I convinced my principal to buy 1200 copies for a One School, One Book unit. She just authorized the purchase of books and has put me in charge of writing a unit for the whole school. As a former English teacher I have written many novel study units, but this time it is for the WHOLE school. To say I am overwhelmed is an understatement. Any suggestions from you will be greatly appreciated.-Again, thanks for writing this wonderful novel which accurately portrays middle schoolers and the seriousness of bullying.-P.
I replied . . .
Dear P,
I am always floored when I hear something like this, it’s such an honor. I appreciate your support for the book and, I’m sure, your commitment to the greater causes of bullying and social responsibility and the honoring the community of learners in your school.
I confess that while it is great news to learn that my book will find its way into the hands of readers, there’s a nagging part of me that worries about assigned reading. I know, I know. Even if you believe in the importance of self-selected reading, as I do, there’s no getting around the value of assigned books and shared reading experiences. Still, it’s disconcerting to see that I’ve become what I once hated most — homework.
That said, let me see if I can help you a little bit. Be warned, I’m not a teacher and I don’t play one on television.
One of the most important ideas embedded in this book — an idea I learned along the way, and came to understand upon reflection after the book was finished — also happens to be a nearly-impossible message to convey to middle school students. It might even be advisable not to even try. But it’s worth saying to you, here. Very simply, research shows that bullying peaks at middle school. Why is that? Well, for starters, let’s understand that on one of the hardest achievements in life is to be yourself. It seems simple but it is not. To be content in your own skin. To not look at others for all your cues, but to follow your own inner compass. To accept and trust who you are. And at no time in life is this tougher than in middle school, when peers begin to replace parents as prime influencers. How to dress, what to talk about, what to listen to or watch on television, how to act, where to sit, who to talk to, this is how they forge an identity, an awareness of self — and all of these things seem largely determined by the pack. Many of these kids care so much about what their peers think, and yet part of becoming a true individual is casting off those concerns. It’s a challenge for ANYBODY to stand up against the crowd. For a middle schooler, it’s nearly impossible. On a deep level, i
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