The Skinny on Bullying

the long version

The Skinny on Bullying, the Legend of Gretchen (Rand Media Co, 2010) by Mike Cassidy, is written for children who are at the age where bullying first begins to take form. The book is written for both the bullied and the bully alike in the award winning Skinny On format. The book is about two best friends named Beth and Billy who are about to start their first day at Stickville Middle School. Beth and Billy were popular at Stickville Elementary School. Billy was the class president and Beth was one of the best soccer players her class. Everything changes when they get to Middle School and experience bullying for the first time by the older eighth graders. Just when they think their situation can't get any worse, the pair learns from their friend Ronnie that a legendary bully named Gretchen is transferring to the school. Beth and Billy don't believe the story until Gretchen arrives at the school a few days later. She terrorizes everyone in site. Beth and Billy are especially targeted by Gretchen after she spots them dressed in costume for the school play. With the help of friends, teachers, & counselors the young students do everything they can to make the best of their situation.