Posted

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2017

Review

Another winner from the author of "Ms. Bixby's Last Day". The old adage, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me, could not be further from the truth here. Set in the world of middle school, an often cruel, embarrassing, fun, and enlightening place, for both students and teachers alike. The author captures the atmosphere, moods, humor, and the agony of what it is like for kids who endure the trials and tribulations of middle school. Told with humor and frankness, this is a story of bullying, with a non-boring anti-bullying message. It is also a story of friendships, the value of good and open communication, and the power and importance of words. It all begins when cell phones are banned at Branton Middle School. Too many students were misusing them. Told in the first person narrative of Frost (Eric) we learn how it all came about, what happened and how it ended. With the cell phone ban, students had to find a new way to communicate with each other. Frost and his clique of friends DeeDee, Wolf and Bench come up with a method of communication. They use post-it notes to "talk" to each other during school. This quickly catches on and soon all the students are "talking" through post-its. They are left on lockers, books, doors, etc. The post-it messages start out well enough. But inevitably some students start misusing them. Soon, the post-its war starts. Hurtful, spiteful and mean messages are soon being left around the school. Friendships are ruined. New cliques and alliances form. Old cliques disintegrate. Words, indeed, can and do hurt. In the midst of this post-its war, a new girl arrives at the school. Her name is Rose and she gives Frost and others something to think about. This is a wonderful, poignant, important and timely story. There is subtle humor. The anti-bullying message is masterfully woven into the story. The main and secondary characters are well drawn, believable and flawed. There is a subtler message here as well. Teachers can and do play an important role in helping, guiding, and shaping students. This story vividly shows that words should not be trifled with. They can do good, but they can also be used as weapons. Once words are spoken, or put on post-its, they cannot be taken back. This book should be required reading for all middle school students, whether you have been bullied or you have been the bully. The book vividly demonstrates why bullying is wrong, to value friendships and to use words wisely and for good. A first purchase for all school and most public libraries

Overall Book Score: excellent