Book Details
Olivia Gardner was in middle school when she suffered an epileptic seizure in front of her classmates. Instead of responding with compassion and kindness, some of the students unleashed a bullying campaign against Olivia that was filled with hate. They taunted her, dragged her backpack through the mud and even wore “I Hate Olivia” bracelets. This unwarranted treatment sent Olivia into the depths of despair, self-doubt and on the verge of taking her own life. And then a miracle happened. Two sisters named Emily and Sarah Buder, who were 17 and 14 years old at the time, heard of Olivia’s situation and were so moved to help her that they devised a letter writing campaign called “Olivia’s Letters” to counteract the bullying. Thousands of people were so moved by the invitation of the Buder sisters that they wrote letters of support and hope. People wrote in and expressed their remorse for having bullied others in the past. People wrote in to share their stories of being bullied. Many had been bullied twenty or even thirty years before.
Review
This book contains over one hundred of the letters of encouragement that dramatically changed the life of Olivia. “I understand your pain.” “You are a beautiful and special girl.” “I cannot even begin to comprehend how people can be so cruel.” “ You deserve to be loved and you are!” These are the types of messages contained in the letters. This is an incredible and inspiring book and I would highly recommend it to all.
Interest Age/Reading Level
Recommended for ages 11 and up.
Gardner, O., Buder, E., & Buder, S. (2008). Letters to a bullied girl: messages of healing and hope. New York: Harper.
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