Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories

School is a very troubled and sometimes dangerous place for the young people depicted in this collection of personal memories and stories by authors of young-adult books. However, many of the authors -- particularly in the "Write It" section -- emphasize the ways books and writing have provided a cathartic escape from torment. The book also includes lists of online resources and national groups that can aid bullied teens and teach parents how to support their teen children.

Adults depicted in Dear Bully range from understanding, helpful parents and school administrators to thoughtless principals and faculty who blame the bullied victims. The real role models in the book are the writers themselves, who open-heartedly reveal their most painful memories to reach their teen audience, and offer the benefit of their adult perspective. Readers will find specific examples of the ways their favorite writers grew emotionally and creatively from their experience.

A few troubling sexual incidents occur. In A.S. King's entry, "The Boy Who Won't Leave Me Alone," a boy touches a girl's breast, slaps her buttocks, and makes lewd remarks to intimidate her. Some bullies lie and spread rumors about other kids' sexual activity; others harass their victims mercilessly about their (real or imagined) sexual orientation.

Many of the bullying victims in this book mention being ostracized because they don't wear fashionable clothing or live in an impressive home.