We Want You to Know: Kids Talk About Bullying by Deborah Ellis

Book Details

  Author Deborah Ellis collected more than 30 personal accounts of bullying taken straight from the mouths of children ages 9-13 years old. These kids have overcome being bullied, know someone who has been bullied, or have been a bully themselves and have shared their stories in this book as a part of an anti-bullying campaign in Canada. Bigger questions are asked such as why do educators and parents just stand by and let the bullying continue, and what makes a bully start bullying. The writing in this book is great for kids and for adults, and both will feel a deep connection to their stories. 

Review

  Katie stays home, Adam is beat up all the time and Amanda hides in the school closet during lunch to hide from a group of girls who call her ugly and fat. All of these first hand accounts are written about in this book created from author Deborah Ellis. The scenarios have real names, ages, locations, and pictures posted which gives readers a sense of intimacy. Readers will find at least one story that they can relate to and this book would be a great resource in classroom and library discussions. Although these stories are disturbing and distressing, it is a great book to share with children who are being bullied or are in fact, bullies themselves. 

Interest Age/Reading Level

9-12 years old/tween

Ellis, D. (2010). We want you to know: Kids talk about bullying. Canada: Coutea Books.