The Truth About Truman School by Dori Butler

**** out of 5 stars

Great treatment of cyberbullying...timely, pertinent

I'd highly recommend this book to all middle school students. Although it's written for this younger group, high school students could take a page or two from the novel as well.

The topics of cyberbullying and online harassment are very pertinent in today's world of social networking sites, instant messaging, texting and other types of internet communication that leave the messager one step removed from face to face interaction. It's much easier to say something mean or crude or inappropriate when you can conceal your identity or not have to look a person in the eye.

In this story, two middle school students start an online web site so that they can report the truth about Truman Middle School. The site is basically ignored until the two hit upon an idea -- let anyone post anything -- no moderated comments, no censoring. Almost immediately an anonymous poster starts the page that solicits cruel torment of one particular girl at the school. Lilly, one of the popular crowd girls, is devastated by the things that appear online about her -- mostly lies and petty comments that soon deteriorate into a list that is named "We Hate Lilly."

The events that transpire over the course of the web site's lifespan affect all the students in the school to some degree. How responsible are the owners of a website for what happens on their pages and links? Should they be held accountable for anything that occurs as the result of the cruel gossip posted there? Should they read and approve every comment written? All in all, a very short and important picture of what can happen when people can hide their identities and say whatever they want without interference. Bullying in schools still happens despite all the seminars and workshops that students and teachers attend to prevent it. Cyberbullying is one step removed from the play ground and the school grounds and is even easier for even the most surprising of kids to participate in. They get carried away by the anonymity of it. Although not meant to be a lecture about bullying, the book's message comes through loud and clear.

Great to read and discuss with school age kids and teens!

Ms Crawford