Cornered: 14 Stories of Bullying and Defiance
What’s inside...
It does not necessarily take a fist to create a punch in the gut. This fourteen-story YA fiction anthology delves into the experience of being bullied—socially, emotionally, physically, psychologically, and sexually. The school hallways, walks home, and house walls are no longer the boundaries for intimidation and harassment. With the rapid-fire response time of social media and smartphones, bullying has lost all limits, and the lines among truth, lies, and real accountability have become blurred. Featuring some of the hottest voices in YA literature, both bestselling and on the rise, Cornered includes works from Kirsten Miller (New York Times bestseller The Eternal Ones), Jennifer Brown (Hate List), Elizabeth Miles (Fury), Jaime Adoff (The Death of Jayson Porter), Lish McBride (Morris Award finalist Hold Me Closer, Necromancer), Matthue Roth (Losers), Sheba Karim (Skunk Girl), Kate Ellison (Butterfly Clues), Zeta Elliot (A Wish After Midnight), Josh Berk (The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin), and James Lecesne (Absolute Brightness and founder of the Trevor Project). Contents: Nemesis by Kirsten Miller, On Your Own Level by Sheba Karim, The Shift Sticks by Josh Berk, Everyone's Nice by David Yoo, Defense Mechanisms by Elizabeth Miles, Sweet Sixteen by Zetta Elliot, Like Kicking a Fence by Kate Ellison, How Auto-tune Saved My Life by Brendan Halpin, The Ambush by Matthue Roth, Inside the Inside by Mayra Lazara Dole, But Not Forgotten by Jennifer Brown, The Truest Story There Is by Jaime Adoff, Still Not Dead by James Lecesne, We Should Get Jerseys 'Cause We Make a Good Team by Lish McBride.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
385 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters' responses to bullying differ, and which ones seemed most effective or least effective to you?
What emotions did you feel while reading these stories? Can you relate any of these emotions to your own experiences at school or with friends?
How do you think the characters could have been supported better by friends or adults?
What are some ways you can help if you see someone being bullied?
Why is it important to speak up against bullying, even if you are not the one being bullied?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts and feelings about a story in the book to model open communication.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in each character's shoes and explore different viewpoints.
Reinforce that it's safe to talk about difficult subjects and praise your child for expressing their thoughts and emotions.
Highlight the value of kindness and the impact of standing up for others through guided questions and discussions.
End the conversation by brainstorming together practical ways your child can contribute to a safer and more inclusive environment in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The stories in 'Cornered' depict various scenarios of bullying, demonstrating the emotional impact on those involved. It explores the feelings of both the victims and the perpetrators.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by recognizing emotional cues and responding compassionately to peers, fostering a supportive social environment.
Example Lesson: Courage to Stand Up Against Wrongdoing
Explanation: Characters in the book often take brave steps to confront bullies or defend others, showcasing the importance of standing up for what is right.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to speak out against injustice in their schools or communities, promoting a culture of fairness and protection.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adverse Situations
Explanation: Despite facing tough challenges, characters in the book learn to navigate through their troubles and emerge stronger, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their personal challenges, whether they're academic, social, or emotional, building strong coping strategies for the future.
Example Lesson: The Impact of Actions on Others
Explanation: Through its stories, the book highlights how bullying affects individuals deeply, emphasizing the long-term impact of one’s actions on others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the consequences of their actions on peers, encouraging thoughtful and kind behavior.
Example Lesson: Seeking Help from Trusted Adults
Explanation: In several stories, characters seek help from adults like teachers and parents, demonstrating the importance of reaching out for support.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to communicate their problems to trusted adults, ensuring they get the necessary support and guidance in troubling situations.