Upstander
#3 in Bystander Universe Series
on Goodreads (80)
What’s inside...
Girl bullies, internet bullying, and substance use are themes in this James Preller middle grade standalone companion to Bystander. Mary O’Malley is tired of keeping secrets about her older brother Jonny’s drug use, as she starts seventh grade amidst family upheaval. She finds an unexpected confidant in Griffen Connolly, whose sister is involved with Jonny's bad crowd. As Mary navigates betrayals from friends who engage in online bullying, she is left without a safety zone. Her brother's worsening situation consumes her family’s attention, leaving her to question whether she can trust Griff or if he is also one of the bullies.
Discussion points
What do you think it means to be an upstander? Can you think of a time when someone stood up for you or you stood up for someone else?
How did the characters in the book react to challenges? What would you have done in their place?
Why is it sometimes hard to do the right thing? What can we do to make it easier?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story? What do you think caused these changes?
What can we do in our daily lives to support and help others who are being treated unfairly?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book’s theme. Listen actively and validate their feelings to create a safe space for discussion. Highlight the importance of empathy by sharing personal experiences related to the themes. Help them draw parallels between the book's situations and real-life scenarios to deepen their understanding. Lastly, applaud their insights and encourage continuous reflection on how to be an upstander in their own lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage to Stand Up for Others
Explanation: In 'Upstander', the protagonist demonstrates bravery by standing up against bullying, showing that it's crucial to defend peers even when it's difficult.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to act bravely in their schools and communities, intervening or seeking help when they see someone being bullied.
Example Lesson: Importance of Empathy
Explanation: The story explores the feelings of both the bullied and the bystanders, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding others' emotions.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the impact of their actions and words on others, fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment among peers.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Characters in 'Upstander' deal with the repercussions of both positive and negative actions, teaching readers about responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the outcomes of their choices, helping them make responsible decisions in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship and Support
Explanation: Throughout the book, friendships play a key role in overcoming challenges, underscoring the value of supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cultivate and cherish supportive friendships, which can provide comfort and assistance during tough times.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The characters in the book face various challenges but learn to persevere, teaching readers about resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by developing persistence in the face of their own difficulties, whether academic, social, or personal.