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New Beginnings
Sam Hendry is not looking forward to starting at her new school. Things go from bad to worse as the day of truth arrives and all of her fears come true... and then some.
When Sam meets a different group of people who immediately accept her as a friend, she begins to feel more positive.
With her new friends and interests, will Sam finally feel able to face the bully who taunts her, and to summon up the courage to perform on stage?
- GenresYoung Adult
168 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2011
5 people are currently reading
976 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Emin
12 books148 followersI have had short stories and flash fiction published in charity anthologies, and also digitally by Ether Books.
'A Knowing Look and Other Stories' is a collection of my short stories and flash fiction published in 2011.
My debut novel, 'New Beginnings' was published by Grimoire Books in January 2012.
My second novel, 'When Dreams Come True' was published on 28 May 2012.
'A Knowing Look and Other Stories' is a collection of my short stories and flash fiction published in 2011.
My debut novel, 'New Beginnings' was published by Grimoire Books in January 2012.
My second novel, 'When Dreams Come True' was published on 28 May 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 17, 2017
This is the story of Sam Hendry… A girl who is about to leave her comfortable environment of primary school and her friends to start at a new school where there isn’t a familiar face that she can count on. She doesn’t really want to go leave her friends and ‘start over’ again, but has little choice in the matter. To make her worst nightmares come true, she is picked up as a target by the bully of the school. As grim as her life seems to be, she soon finds friends and a group that she can belong to. The drama club at the new school gives her a chance to express herself, nurture her talents and a group of friends – the silver lining of her life.
The first and foremost thing about this book is the subject matter that is carefully dealt with – Bullying. As we know that bullying is a real problem faced by many – be it in school or at work place. When at a work place, an adult has more experience and grit to deal with it. But at school level it is a bigger problem because a child is more impressionable and fragile at that stage and bullying can cause some serious damage both physically and emotionally. The author, Rebecca Amin has handled the subject very carefully. While on one hand she has depicted situations very effectively, on the other hand she has also shown that there is a way for everyone to deal and overcome such situations. When a child’s self-confidence is broken, it is very difficult for them to confide in someone and ask for help. But, I feel that even grown-ups should be aware of how it affects a child so as to be on guard and pick out the signs.
Besides dealing with bullying, this book also deals with the everyday life of a soon-to-be teenager. Sam’s life involves her friends, her talent, her interests and her first crush and the plot line effectively covers it all. It was so refreshing to read about life through such innocent eyes. It made me wish to go back to those days of my life. The references to different music and tv shows made me smile to myself.
My only complaint with this book was that I wish that the author had given us a bit more indepth look at the lives of the different characters. Otherwise, this was a very sweet book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Being some 150-160 pages it is also a fast read. I would suggest everyone to read this book – youngsters to realize that there is always a way to deal with bullies and for grownups to be aware of the effect of bullying on their children.
The first and foremost thing about this book is the subject matter that is carefully dealt with – Bullying. As we know that bullying is a real problem faced by many – be it in school or at work place. When at a work place, an adult has more experience and grit to deal with it. But at school level it is a bigger problem because a child is more impressionable and fragile at that stage and bullying can cause some serious damage both physically and emotionally. The author, Rebecca Amin has handled the subject very carefully. While on one hand she has depicted situations very effectively, on the other hand she has also shown that there is a way for everyone to deal and overcome such situations. When a child’s self-confidence is broken, it is very difficult for them to confide in someone and ask for help. But, I feel that even grown-ups should be aware of how it affects a child so as to be on guard and pick out the signs.
Besides dealing with bullying, this book also deals with the everyday life of a soon-to-be teenager. Sam’s life involves her friends, her talent, her interests and her first crush and the plot line effectively covers it all. It was so refreshing to read about life through such innocent eyes. It made me wish to go back to those days of my life. The references to different music and tv shows made me smile to myself.
My only complaint with this book was that I wish that the author had given us a bit more indepth look at the lives of the different characters. Otherwise, this was a very sweet book that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Being some 150-160 pages it is also a fast read. I would suggest everyone to read this book – youngsters to realize that there is always a way to deal with bullies and for grownups to be aware of the effect of bullying on their children.
January 13, 2012
New Beginnings is Rebecca Emin's debut novel, and what a good debut it is. It transported me right back to my own school days and the horrid bunch of girls I was afraid of.
Sam Hendry is a good girl - polite, kind and passionate about singing and acting. She is also unhappy. Isolated at the posh new school her parents have struggled to send her to, she is picked on by a group of girls led by manipulative, damaged Molly. Her confidence undermined, Sam struggles to make friends and share her painful secret. But then she meets the mysterious and handsome Nathan, and a life-changing opportunity comes her way...
At first glance bullying might seem a rather depressing theme for a YA book, but as the title suggests Emin shows us that it need not be that way. Without ever ramming it down her reader's throat Emin successfully blends important information about bullying and how to tackle it with an engaging story with enough twists to keep young readers interested. Emin handles her protagonist's burgeoning sexual desire for Nathan well and I found the puppy love sections touching and believable, as were the sections set in theatre.
New Beginnings is a poignant and ultimately uplifting story. The subject is as important as ever given that it encroaches upon so many lives, and I'm sure this novel will resonate with many young readers. Do go and buy it.
Sam Hendry is a good girl - polite, kind and passionate about singing and acting. She is also unhappy. Isolated at the posh new school her parents have struggled to send her to, she is picked on by a group of girls led by manipulative, damaged Molly. Her confidence undermined, Sam struggles to make friends and share her painful secret. But then she meets the mysterious and handsome Nathan, and a life-changing opportunity comes her way...
At first glance bullying might seem a rather depressing theme for a YA book, but as the title suggests Emin shows us that it need not be that way. Without ever ramming it down her reader's throat Emin successfully blends important information about bullying and how to tackle it with an engaging story with enough twists to keep young readers interested. Emin handles her protagonist's burgeoning sexual desire for Nathan well and I found the puppy love sections touching and believable, as were the sections set in theatre.
New Beginnings is a poignant and ultimately uplifting story. The subject is as important as ever given that it encroaches upon so many lives, and I'm sure this novel will resonate with many young readers. Do go and buy it.
August 28, 2011
Rebecca Emin's 'New Beginnings' is a heart-warming tale about an issue facing many children at school and beyond. Eleven-year-old Sam is being bullied in her new school, yet isn't ready to tell anyone who can help. What Sam does have is a wonderful group of friends, and a great talent as a singer -- both of which help her gain confidence. With insight and skill, Emin draws readers into Sam's world of fear and worry. As a former teacher, I believe this is an uplifting novel that will help many children overcome bullying.
November 25, 2013
This is an endearing story about a young girl new to a school who is bullied. We see her meet new friends and cope quite well through the turmoil of one girl singling her out with her nastiness.
This story has a happy ending. Not all bullying stories have happy endings. My heart goes out to all those affected by horrible situations in school, work and life in general.
A great read for 9-12 year olds.
This story has a happy ending. Not all bullying stories have happy endings. My heart goes out to all those affected by horrible situations in school, work and life in general.
A great read for 9-12 year olds.
December 12, 2011
One of the most pressing issues epidemic amongst our young ones today is bullying. Granted, kids left to their own devices will often pull towards a pecking order war like a pen of puppies dragging each other by the ears, but the trend in bullying these days has gone far beyond that. Tales of bullied children as young as eleven or twelve committing suicide over bullying are become so commonplace that headlines are losing their ability to shock us.
Now is a perfect times for fiction and film to deal with the issue, and Rebecca Emin's novel, "New Beginnings" confronts the issue gently, and thoroughly.
Sam Hendry is the eleven year old protagonist of this children's novel, and the premise is a familiar one: a young girl leaving her old life and arriving at a new school only to meet on her very first day a bully who takes an instant dislike to her. The bully in question is a fellow classmate of Sam's, a girl named Molly who begins by first taunting Sam, and then progressing to snide physical assaults. Sam endures this privately, fearfully, dreading each Monday morning when the new week would begin and a new day of dealing with Molly's baseless hatred.
Emin writes Sam's point of view without melodrama. Sam suffers, and bad things happen, but the book is not punctured at any point by acts of violence or trauma or operatic self pity so great that a reader feels as if it's unrealistic. Any young reader suffering a similar situation could easily identify with Sam as she goes about her day, making a small group of friends, hiding the bullying from her parents, yearning to get her own computer, and singing her heart out to her favorite CD's.
No magical fixes to her problems are offered, the lessons Sam learns in the story are lessons easily applied by any of the potential young readers of this book. Helpful solutions are introduced in the story, and are quite crucially applied as the levels of Molly's bullying begins to escalate to actual physical injury for Sam. The danger is real, but not so much as to make any of the young readers faint of heart.
There are many nice things in this story, Sam's ambitions to sing, her first crush, a surprising first kiss, all written with bright optimism and tenderness. For everything bad that happens to someone, there are still things to strive for, it's a comforting message and one very accessible to the reader.
If I have any snags with this story it would only be of the nitpicky nature, there is a bit of name brand dropping, and as a matter of personal taste I've never cared for that in a story. I also would have liked to have seen a bit more insight into Molly's motivations--but this story wasn't about her, it didn't need to be. In the end it's Sam Hendry's story, and a sweetly told one it is.
I was touched by it on a personal level with memories of being a shy kid at school, and of the daily anxiety associated with various worries. It's a very genuine story told by a very good writer, and a good one for any young reader to have in their library.
Now is a perfect times for fiction and film to deal with the issue, and Rebecca Emin's novel, "New Beginnings" confronts the issue gently, and thoroughly.
Sam Hendry is the eleven year old protagonist of this children's novel, and the premise is a familiar one: a young girl leaving her old life and arriving at a new school only to meet on her very first day a bully who takes an instant dislike to her. The bully in question is a fellow classmate of Sam's, a girl named Molly who begins by first taunting Sam, and then progressing to snide physical assaults. Sam endures this privately, fearfully, dreading each Monday morning when the new week would begin and a new day of dealing with Molly's baseless hatred.
Emin writes Sam's point of view without melodrama. Sam suffers, and bad things happen, but the book is not punctured at any point by acts of violence or trauma or operatic self pity so great that a reader feels as if it's unrealistic. Any young reader suffering a similar situation could easily identify with Sam as she goes about her day, making a small group of friends, hiding the bullying from her parents, yearning to get her own computer, and singing her heart out to her favorite CD's.
No magical fixes to her problems are offered, the lessons Sam learns in the story are lessons easily applied by any of the potential young readers of this book. Helpful solutions are introduced in the story, and are quite crucially applied as the levels of Molly's bullying begins to escalate to actual physical injury for Sam. The danger is real, but not so much as to make any of the young readers faint of heart.
There are many nice things in this story, Sam's ambitions to sing, her first crush, a surprising first kiss, all written with bright optimism and tenderness. For everything bad that happens to someone, there are still things to strive for, it's a comforting message and one very accessible to the reader.
If I have any snags with this story it would only be of the nitpicky nature, there is a bit of name brand dropping, and as a matter of personal taste I've never cared for that in a story. I also would have liked to have seen a bit more insight into Molly's motivations--but this story wasn't about her, it didn't need to be. In the end it's Sam Hendry's story, and a sweetly told one it is.
I was touched by it on a personal level with memories of being a shy kid at school, and of the daily anxiety associated with various worries. It's a very genuine story told by a very good writer, and a good one for any young reader to have in their library.
August 18, 2016
(SPOILERS ALERT !)
Overall: 3.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 2/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Cover: 5/5
Ending: 3/5 (I know it's a middle school read, but I really, REALLY wanted to see Nathan and Sam together)
Engrossing: 3/5 (The REAL plot/rising action started like, at about 3/5 of the book??)
Overall, it's a quick and fun read. However, the pace was really, really slow. Stick to it, then it starts to get interesting in the middle. (The part when she went on vacation) Maybe it's because I'm a high school student and it's a middle school book, but I just feel like it's kind of too slow, even if I'm a middle school student today.
Obviously bullying is a huge point of this book, but I hoped to see something more about Sam dealing with that part. What kind of solutions did she get online? Maybe some more details on how Sam and Molly develop on their personalities? Not all books about bullying end up well and characters get to change, so I'm happy with that part.
I like the plot pretty much (Once it got interesting in the middle lol), I dream about having my own stage and performing like a huge star sometimes (although it's not gonna happen), so I like reading this kind of stories. I get excited. However, maybe because it's middle school book, the romance......it's DEFINITELY NOT ENOUGH. Sam and Nathan shared some cute moments, THAT'S ALL? AWWWW COME ON! Where's the confessions of their crushes on each other?? (That was what I was waiting to see through the whole book!) In the end she became successful and famous, then what's next? Oh dear author, am I hoping too much for a novella or a sequel?
Cover---It's cute! I requested this book partially because of the attractive cover. Love it!
Characters---I like Sam pretty much. Hoped to read more about Nathan, though.
I do have to complain about the writing. Um. I'm not saying this from a high school student's perspective, but the writing wasn't really engrossing. To be accurate, the first part of the book was too unfocused, there were too many chapters writing about Sam's daily life, ---- nothing else exciting. I know the author was hoping to write about how they built their friendship and details of Molly's bullying, but it was just too long and too much. For some middle schoolers that are not positively interested in reading or for those who are not so patient, this is the sort of book that they might give up somewhere at 1/3 of the book. The writing was not bad, but it can be improved.
Conclusion: A quick, fun read for middle schoolers and fan of stages, kind of too slow but a book I'm willing to recommend to some friends of mine who are still studying in middle school.
I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley.
Overall: 3.5/5
Plot: 4/5
Writing: 2/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Cover: 5/5
Ending: 3/5 (I know it's a middle school read, but I really, REALLY wanted to see Nathan and Sam together)
Engrossing: 3/5 (The REAL plot/rising action started like, at about 3/5 of the book??)
Overall, it's a quick and fun read. However, the pace was really, really slow. Stick to it, then it starts to get interesting in the middle. (The part when she went on vacation) Maybe it's because I'm a high school student and it's a middle school book, but I just feel like it's kind of too slow, even if I'm a middle school student today.
Obviously bullying is a huge point of this book, but I hoped to see something more about Sam dealing with that part. What kind of solutions did she get online? Maybe some more details on how Sam and Molly develop on their personalities? Not all books about bullying end up well and characters get to change, so I'm happy with that part.
I like the plot pretty much (Once it got interesting in the middle lol), I dream about having my own stage and performing like a huge star sometimes (although it's not gonna happen), so I like reading this kind of stories. I get excited. However, maybe because it's middle school book, the romance......it's DEFINITELY NOT ENOUGH. Sam and Nathan shared some cute moments, THAT'S ALL? AWWWW COME ON! Where's the confessions of their crushes on each other?? (That was what I was waiting to see through the whole book!) In the end she became successful and famous, then what's next? Oh dear author, am I hoping too much for a novella or a sequel?
Cover---It's cute! I requested this book partially because of the attractive cover. Love it!
Characters---I like Sam pretty much. Hoped to read more about Nathan, though.
I do have to complain about the writing. Um. I'm not saying this from a high school student's perspective, but the writing wasn't really engrossing. To be accurate, the first part of the book was too unfocused, there were too many chapters writing about Sam's daily life, ---- nothing else exciting. I know the author was hoping to write about how they built their friendship and details of Molly's bullying, but it was just too long and too much. For some middle schoolers that are not positively interested in reading or for those who are not so patient, this is the sort of book that they might give up somewhere at 1/3 of the book. The writing was not bad, but it can be improved.
Conclusion: A quick, fun read for middle schoolers and fan of stages, kind of too slow but a book I'm willing to recommend to some friends of mine who are still studying in middle school.
I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley.
October 4, 2016
I have to admit, sometimes middle grade fiction has better morals and is much more thought-provoking than young adult fiction.
Having read and reviewed Rebecca Emin's other book, When Dreams Come True, upon finding this book on Netgalley, I figured it would be a good idea to read it as well. And it was! I honestly had such a good time reading this book, and I know others will, too.
New Beginnings revolves around 11-year old Sam, who is starting a new school for seventh grade. She is really scared, as she hadn't switched schools before, and feared rejection. Rejection was what she got... for a while. She then meets new friends Chloe and Anna at school, and Hannah and Nathan on a vacation, turning her frown upside down. As well as a student, Sam is also a passionate singer and actress, and takes lessons weekly. When an amazing opportunity strikes her, will she be able to pull down her Molly, her bully, and begin to feel more confident as a performer?
I absolutely adored EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER of this book (well, maybe except for Molly). All were very in-depth, super sweet and caring, and soooo adorable! :D
Sam, our protagonist, went through quite a lot of development throughout the story. She started off as an unsure, scared new student, but over time, she developed into a super confident girl with tons of amazing friends. As well, she seemed to have a humongous heart and really cared about others. I don't think Sam would ever even hurt a fly, that's how kind and caring she was!
Sam also had quite the group of friends to turn to, including Chloe and Anna from school (both super nice girls), and Nathan and Hannah (also both awesome) from her vacation to the beach, whom she continued to keep in touch with after the fact. I felt like all of them were seriously the truest of true friends, and that Sam will have them to count on for the rest of her life. All they did was bring her up and make her feel good about herself, which is what good friends do! THEY are the definition of friends, not some person you hang out with only because they make you look cool.
The best thing about this story for me was probably the oodles of messages it has to share. This book was a great example of pure, coming-of-age middle grade fiction, and I believe that anyone who reads it would find it quite hard to deny. It shows the effects of bullying and how you should stand up for yourself before it's too late, how patience is a virtue, how confidence is the key to success, and much, much more.
Overall, this was a great story, and I really enjoyed my time reading it. I'd recommend it to any tween or teen looking for a story with great morals and amazingly-crafted characters, because anyone who lives for stories like that is bound to fall in love with this book, as well. And even if you don't normally read those books... try this one, and discover yourself a New Beginning! :)
Having read and reviewed Rebecca Emin's other book, When Dreams Come True, upon finding this book on Netgalley, I figured it would be a good idea to read it as well. And it was! I honestly had such a good time reading this book, and I know others will, too.
New Beginnings revolves around 11-year old Sam, who is starting a new school for seventh grade. She is really scared, as she hadn't switched schools before, and feared rejection. Rejection was what she got... for a while. She then meets new friends Chloe and Anna at school, and Hannah and Nathan on a vacation, turning her frown upside down. As well as a student, Sam is also a passionate singer and actress, and takes lessons weekly. When an amazing opportunity strikes her, will she be able to pull down her Molly, her bully, and begin to feel more confident as a performer?
I absolutely adored EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER of this book (well, maybe except for Molly). All were very in-depth, super sweet and caring, and soooo adorable! :D
Sam, our protagonist, went through quite a lot of development throughout the story. She started off as an unsure, scared new student, but over time, she developed into a super confident girl with tons of amazing friends. As well, she seemed to have a humongous heart and really cared about others. I don't think Sam would ever even hurt a fly, that's how kind and caring she was!
Sam also had quite the group of friends to turn to, including Chloe and Anna from school (both super nice girls), and Nathan and Hannah (also both awesome) from her vacation to the beach, whom she continued to keep in touch with after the fact. I felt like all of them were seriously the truest of true friends, and that Sam will have them to count on for the rest of her life. All they did was bring her up and make her feel good about herself, which is what good friends do! THEY are the definition of friends, not some person you hang out with only because they make you look cool.
The best thing about this story for me was probably the oodles of messages it has to share. This book was a great example of pure, coming-of-age middle grade fiction, and I believe that anyone who reads it would find it quite hard to deny. It shows the effects of bullying and how you should stand up for yourself before it's too late, how patience is a virtue, how confidence is the key to success, and much, much more.
Overall, this was a great story, and I really enjoyed my time reading it. I'd recommend it to any tween or teen looking for a story with great morals and amazingly-crafted characters, because anyone who lives for stories like that is bound to fall in love with this book, as well. And even if you don't normally read those books... try this one, and discover yourself a New Beginning! :)
December 2, 2011
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Sam doesn't want to change schools, but when her parents decide it's time she started private school she has to make the move. She's terrified she won't fit in and soon her worst fears are coming true. She gets picked out as a target by a bully and she starts to hate her time there, but then she meets a group that accepts her. Can she turn it round and be happy and can she achieve her dream of performing on stage.
This book is really short and sweet at only 150 pages I read it in just over 2 hours. Although I will admit I struggled to get into it. I wasn't sure how old Sam was meant to be at first and the conversations seemed very stilted. Everything sort of seemed summed up. It got the story across but I wanted more depth.
This did get better as the story got on and it started to flow more, sort of as the character grew, so did the level of writing.
The topic of Bullying is a very serious one and it is dealt with very well here. The book has lots of advice on how to get help and how to cope with it. I was slightly shocked that when Sam gets quite badly hurt her mum doesn't seem to question it too much. She jsut accepts Sam's blunt reply and doesn't even try to push it. I know when I fell over at school my mum would ask for every detail whether it was a result of bullying or not (lucky for me it wasn't but I have known some people that have)
There are lots of references to things that feature in modern day culture - tv shows etc and it made me smile as I read about the characters enjoying them, thinking 'I watch that!' as i did. I was surprised that though it was set in today's culture, Sam hadn't used a computer much and her family didn't own one she could use, most kids today at least have access to one on a regular basic and are proficient at using them, especially at eleven, she would have been using them at school for years.
Overall this is a nice easy read, very short and simple with a good message and a deep understanding of what it can be like to be bullied. (I was never physically bullied at school but I did go through a phase where I was called names and it does hurt. I could feel Sam's emotions as she tried to deal with it and it offers a good message.)
I would have liked a bit more detail, longer conversations, maybe a bit more about Anna - her other friend, she didn't feature much and she felt like a bit of a spare part. But i did like Chloe - she made me laugh. And Nathan added a great other side to the story, I wanted to see more of him.
A good read for a lazy day inside hiding from the cold.
Sam doesn't want to change schools, but when her parents decide it's time she started private school she has to make the move. She's terrified she won't fit in and soon her worst fears are coming true. She gets picked out as a target by a bully and she starts to hate her time there, but then she meets a group that accepts her. Can she turn it round and be happy and can she achieve her dream of performing on stage.
This book is really short and sweet at only 150 pages I read it in just over 2 hours. Although I will admit I struggled to get into it. I wasn't sure how old Sam was meant to be at first and the conversations seemed very stilted. Everything sort of seemed summed up. It got the story across but I wanted more depth.
This did get better as the story got on and it started to flow more, sort of as the character grew, so did the level of writing.
The topic of Bullying is a very serious one and it is dealt with very well here. The book has lots of advice on how to get help and how to cope with it. I was slightly shocked that when Sam gets quite badly hurt her mum doesn't seem to question it too much. She jsut accepts Sam's blunt reply and doesn't even try to push it. I know when I fell over at school my mum would ask for every detail whether it was a result of bullying or not (lucky for me it wasn't but I have known some people that have)
There are lots of references to things that feature in modern day culture - tv shows etc and it made me smile as I read about the characters enjoying them, thinking 'I watch that!' as i did. I was surprised that though it was set in today's culture, Sam hadn't used a computer much and her family didn't own one she could use, most kids today at least have access to one on a regular basic and are proficient at using them, especially at eleven, she would have been using them at school for years.
Overall this is a nice easy read, very short and simple with a good message and a deep understanding of what it can be like to be bullied. (I was never physically bullied at school but I did go through a phase where I was called names and it does hurt. I could feel Sam's emotions as she tried to deal with it and it offers a good message.)
I would have liked a bit more detail, longer conversations, maybe a bit more about Anna - her other friend, she didn't feature much and she felt like a bit of a spare part. But i did like Chloe - she made me laugh. And Nathan added a great other side to the story, I wanted to see more of him.
A good read for a lazy day inside hiding from the cold.
January 23, 2012
This book opens with a scenario I’m sure many readers, both young and older, will be very familiar with – the first day at secondary school. Sam is filled with nerves, she’s the only one from her old school going to this school – it’s a private school that her parents have saved to be able to afford, whereas all of her friends are going to the local school. Within the first few pages (and hours at school) Sam has fallen victim to the class bully and her friends. The book then goes on to chronicle how Sam deals with being bullied, both making good friends and building her confidence to follow her dream of being on the stage.
Sam is a very sweet, somewhat sheltered girl. She’s very family orientated and has clear interests that may not match those of all of her peers, but she doesn’t let this bother her. It was quite refreshing to see a very unstreetwise character like Sam. Her two friends, Chloe and Anna also seemed sweet though Anna didn’t get to play much of a part. I liked the supportive role Georgina and Joseph played for Sam, though I felt their advice to her probably didn’t go as far as it perhaps should of. Chloe’s older brother Nick was a character I found really interesting, I would have liked to find out more about him, but I can see that there was no space really for that within the book.
I quite enjoyed reading this book, but I did find sometimes that the dialogue felt a little stilted. Sam also came across as quite old-headed at times, but then some children are. I enjoyed the performing arts plot line that ran through the book, as someone who has been involved with performing arts for years I could identify with a lot of Sam’s experiences.
I’m sure this book will be enjoyed by its target age group, and that the message it carries will help children who are being bullied.
Sam is a very sweet, somewhat sheltered girl. She’s very family orientated and has clear interests that may not match those of all of her peers, but she doesn’t let this bother her. It was quite refreshing to see a very unstreetwise character like Sam. Her two friends, Chloe and Anna also seemed sweet though Anna didn’t get to play much of a part. I liked the supportive role Georgina and Joseph played for Sam, though I felt their advice to her probably didn’t go as far as it perhaps should of. Chloe’s older brother Nick was a character I found really interesting, I would have liked to find out more about him, but I can see that there was no space really for that within the book.
I quite enjoyed reading this book, but I did find sometimes that the dialogue felt a little stilted. Sam also came across as quite old-headed at times, but then some children are. I enjoyed the performing arts plot line that ran through the book, as someone who has been involved with performing arts for years I could identify with a lot of Sam’s experiences.
I’m sure this book will be enjoyed by its target age group, and that the message it carries will help children who are being bullied.
January 27, 2012
I was delighted to hear that Rebecca got her novel published and even more delighted to get to read it when it came out. New Beginnings is aimed at children aged 7+ and I feel every child should read this. As a parent with a child at school, I am pleased to have read it and hope what I have read I can pass on to help my little one.
The story is about Sam and anyone who has suffered any kind of bullying or teasing at school will be able to relate to Sam. I know I could fully relate to her situation. She moves from her comfortable surroundings in her primary school to high school, where everything is different, everyone is different and she struggles to fit in.
I was so happy when she confided in someone and that there is always hope. I liked the happy ending and don't want to give to much away but you will have a smile from ear to ear.
This book brought me back to what it was like being in high school, how hard it was to fit in and the everyday struggles with the snide comments. I am grateful I am out of it.
I would highly recommend this for all children aged around 9 upwards, it will help them deal with difficult situations, such as bullying. It is an easy and quick read, which they will be able to get through without any problems. There is also quite a bit of advice in there for parents who suspect their child is being bullied, I know I am keeping a hold of this book to read again when mine are a bit older. All in all an excellent book.
You can find out more about Rebecca and her books on her website.
The story is about Sam and anyone who has suffered any kind of bullying or teasing at school will be able to relate to Sam. I know I could fully relate to her situation. She moves from her comfortable surroundings in her primary school to high school, where everything is different, everyone is different and she struggles to fit in.
I was so happy when she confided in someone and that there is always hope. I liked the happy ending and don't want to give to much away but you will have a smile from ear to ear.
This book brought me back to what it was like being in high school, how hard it was to fit in and the everyday struggles with the snide comments. I am grateful I am out of it.
I would highly recommend this for all children aged around 9 upwards, it will help them deal with difficult situations, such as bullying. It is an easy and quick read, which they will be able to get through without any problems. There is also quite a bit of advice in there for parents who suspect their child is being bullied, I know I am keeping a hold of this book to read again when mine are a bit older. All in all an excellent book.
You can find out more about Rebecca and her books on her website.
October 18, 2016
Thank you NetGalley, Gingersnap books and Rebeca Emin for the opportunity to read this wonderful moving and insightful book. In exchange for an honest review.
I found myself very moved by this story and engrossed in the storyline from the start.
Sam Hardy is not looking forward to leaving the comfort of her primary school and starting secondary school.
Things only get once when she starts as she gets bullied by a group of children. This is sadly something that effects so many people of all ages. I found myself relating to this because I was bullied at school too. I felt for Sam when she didn't feel like she could tell anyone about what was going on in fear that it would get worse.
Thankfully Sam has a great group of supportive friends and a wonderful talent as a singer both of which help her to grow and to gain more confidence.
This is my second book of Rebecca Emins that I have read and I always love how she makes her stories so relatable and true to life. Making the descriptions in the book so real that you feel totally immersed in the storyline. Rebecca's books always grip you from the start and tug at your heart strings. Creating characters that stay with you long after you have the read the book. As you find your self wondering how the. Characters are doing and what they are up to now.
I think everyone should read this story as it is a subject that should be brought to everyone's attention so that we can stop other people feeling like Sam.
Happy reading everyone
I found myself very moved by this story and engrossed in the storyline from the start.
Sam Hardy is not looking forward to leaving the comfort of her primary school and starting secondary school.
Things only get once when she starts as she gets bullied by a group of children. This is sadly something that effects so many people of all ages. I found myself relating to this because I was bullied at school too. I felt for Sam when she didn't feel like she could tell anyone about what was going on in fear that it would get worse.
Thankfully Sam has a great group of supportive friends and a wonderful talent as a singer both of which help her to grow and to gain more confidence.
This is my second book of Rebecca Emins that I have read and I always love how she makes her stories so relatable and true to life. Making the descriptions in the book so real that you feel totally immersed in the storyline. Rebecca's books always grip you from the start and tug at your heart strings. Creating characters that stay with you long after you have the read the book. As you find your self wondering how the. Characters are doing and what they are up to now.
I think everyone should read this story as it is a subject that should be brought to everyone's attention so that we can stop other people feeling like Sam.
Happy reading everyone
January 21, 2012
This is a lovely story conveying a clear message about bullying. Girls of around 8 and up will lap this up, absorbing its comfort and advice.
The story told here is charming and engaging. Sam is realistically drawn in her feelings and reactions and it is easy to empathise with her. The bullying is also conveyed realistically, both in terms of the way it builds and the way others react to it. Sam's interaction with the Bullying UK website to get advice is well integrated and clearly demonstrates to any readers in need of their support (or with friends who could use it) that they can be helpful. The novel avoids being overly didactic on what Sam 'should' do about her situation.
Sam's talent and love for singing and drama is a nice touch, which allows for some lighter episodes as well as opportunities for her to develop her confidence. It is important in children's books that the child protagonist solves their own problems and this is particularly difficult in bullying stories, where the best real world advice is to seek adult help and not to fight back. Sam's talent and the increasingly positive feedback she gets for it help her to gain confidence and feel able to begin to take control.
Overall, this sweet story will engage its intended age group, whether or not they have experience of being bullied, but it will be particularly valuable to any girl who is currently being bullied.
The story told here is charming and engaging. Sam is realistically drawn in her feelings and reactions and it is easy to empathise with her. The bullying is also conveyed realistically, both in terms of the way it builds and the way others react to it. Sam's interaction with the Bullying UK website to get advice is well integrated and clearly demonstrates to any readers in need of their support (or with friends who could use it) that they can be helpful. The novel avoids being overly didactic on what Sam 'should' do about her situation.
Sam's talent and love for singing and drama is a nice touch, which allows for some lighter episodes as well as opportunities for her to develop her confidence. It is important in children's books that the child protagonist solves their own problems and this is particularly difficult in bullying stories, where the best real world advice is to seek adult help and not to fight back. Sam's talent and the increasingly positive feedback she gets for it help her to gain confidence and feel able to begin to take control.
Overall, this sweet story will engage its intended age group, whether or not they have experience of being bullied, but it will be particularly valuable to any girl who is currently being bullied.
July 15, 2014
Review can be found at: www.the-reading-pile.blogspot.co.uk
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This originally caught my interest as it seemed very unique - I hadn't read any books on bullying that didn't have some kind of supernatural element.
The main character Sam moves from her comfortable surroundings into High School which is anything but enjoyable for her. She's bullied, and unfortunately I could relate easily to this character as I went through bullying at High School - if you were bullied, you'll find Sam very easy to get on with.
The fact she found a friend is a good message that there will always be hope - Always! Don't let the bullies beat you. Rebecca had written a good book with a great message, I'd urge children (definitely!) to read this book as the writing is very easy to read - not overly complicated but not written for a two year old.
New Beginnings is a very pleasant read. Definitely not everyone's cup of tea - and unfortunately not mine. However that doesn't change my opinion on the book.
I think you should definitely consider reading Rebecca's debut novel if you have ever been through or are going through bullying. Like I said, it has a nice message and a happy ending!
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This originally caught my interest as it seemed very unique - I hadn't read any books on bullying that didn't have some kind of supernatural element.
The main character Sam moves from her comfortable surroundings into High School which is anything but enjoyable for her. She's bullied, and unfortunately I could relate easily to this character as I went through bullying at High School - if you were bullied, you'll find Sam very easy to get on with.
The fact she found a friend is a good message that there will always be hope - Always! Don't let the bullies beat you. Rebecca had written a good book with a great message, I'd urge children (definitely!) to read this book as the writing is very easy to read - not overly complicated but not written for a two year old.
New Beginnings is a very pleasant read. Definitely not everyone's cup of tea - and unfortunately not mine. However that doesn't change my opinion on the book.
I think you should definitely consider reading Rebecca's debut novel if you have ever been through or are going through bullying. Like I said, it has a nice message and a happy ending!
August 28, 2016
New Beginnings by Rebecca Emin is a book about a girl named Sam Hendry who faces bullying at her new school. The subject of this book that is carefully dealt with is bullying. Bullying is a problem that many students face today. This book also deals with the everyday life of a soon-to-be teenager.
Sam is a girl who is about to leave her primary school and friends to start at a new school. At the new school Sam does not know anyone there. Sam wants to stay at her primary school where she feel comfortable. She does not want to have to find new friends, but she does not have a choice. Even worse, at the new school Sam is the target by the bully of the school. Life does not seem to be going well for Sam but luckily she finds friends. She joins the drama club where she is able to express herself and nurture her talents.
Sam’s life involves her friends, talent, interests and first crush. The plot line effectively covers it all. It was refreshing to read about life through innocent eyes. I wish the author had given the reader a more indepth look at the lives of the different characters. I enjoyed reading this innocent story.
I give this book 4/5 stars.
I received this book from Gingersnap Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sam is a girl who is about to leave her primary school and friends to start at a new school. At the new school Sam does not know anyone there. Sam wants to stay at her primary school where she feel comfortable. She does not want to have to find new friends, but she does not have a choice. Even worse, at the new school Sam is the target by the bully of the school. Life does not seem to be going well for Sam but luckily she finds friends. She joins the drama club where she is able to express herself and nurture her talents.
Sam’s life involves her friends, talent, interests and first crush. The plot line effectively covers it all. It was refreshing to read about life through innocent eyes. I wish the author had given the reader a more indepth look at the lives of the different characters. I enjoyed reading this innocent story.
I give this book 4/5 stars.
I received this book from Gingersnap Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2015
I received this book as part of a goodreads giveaway.
First I would like to say that this book is difficult to rate, it is written for a set market and age group and if I was in that age range I might have given it higher ratings.
The book evolves around Sam, a girl whose background is different from all her new class mates, starting a new secondary school. The idea is very good, a book on bullying and how someone can still prove that they are better than the bully and achieve their dreams.
The book is written for a person just starting secondary school, around 12 - 13, and through the eyes of the child, I honestly though the book was written by a teenager, mainly due to the use of language and style. This might have been the aim of the author to try and make the story feel as if it was a real experience instead of simply another story about a bullying victim.
The book is split into three sections, Start school and bullied, holiday and realisation that she wasn't to blame, and Play audition and rebuild of confidence. The ending was a little unusual with the bully writing to apologies and then attending the play, including being the only person to send flowers.
First I would like to say that this book is difficult to rate, it is written for a set market and age group and if I was in that age range I might have given it higher ratings.
The book evolves around Sam, a girl whose background is different from all her new class mates, starting a new secondary school. The idea is very good, a book on bullying and how someone can still prove that they are better than the bully and achieve their dreams.
The book is written for a person just starting secondary school, around 12 - 13, and through the eyes of the child, I honestly though the book was written by a teenager, mainly due to the use of language and style. This might have been the aim of the author to try and make the story feel as if it was a real experience instead of simply another story about a bullying victim.
The book is split into three sections, Start school and bullied, holiday and realisation that she wasn't to blame, and Play audition and rebuild of confidence. The ending was a little unusual with the bully writing to apologies and then attending the play, including being the only person to send flowers.
September 14, 2016
This is my first read by Rebecca Emin, it is targeted at YA and covers the strong subject of bullying.
Sam Hendry, comes across as a lovely normal polite, down to earth girl. Sam is 11 years old and with a passion for singing and acting, Sam has just left primary school and is not settled or happy at her posh new school. Sam is being bullied by Molly and her crew. As things get worse for Sam she decides to write everything down in a note book so she has a timeline when the time is right to confide in someone about Molly. I think this book has been handled sensitively and it was nice to see Sam making close friends with other people including hot Nathan. This wasnt totally focused on the bullying aspect which was nice as we saw Sam attending out of school clubs and going on a holiday with her family. Sam also used the internet to read up on bullying sites, which was an added useful tool as this could help somebody reading with simular problems to Sam. I felt this was being told from a younger persons point of view, which is so rightly should be as we are reading the story of an 11 year old. Great work from Rebecca Emin, looking forward to reading the next book.
Sam Hendry, comes across as a lovely normal polite, down to earth girl. Sam is 11 years old and with a passion for singing and acting, Sam has just left primary school and is not settled or happy at her posh new school. Sam is being bullied by Molly and her crew. As things get worse for Sam she decides to write everything down in a note book so she has a timeline when the time is right to confide in someone about Molly. I think this book has been handled sensitively and it was nice to see Sam making close friends with other people including hot Nathan. This wasnt totally focused on the bullying aspect which was nice as we saw Sam attending out of school clubs and going on a holiday with her family. Sam also used the internet to read up on bullying sites, which was an added useful tool as this could help somebody reading with simular problems to Sam. I felt this was being told from a younger persons point of view, which is so rightly should be as we are reading the story of an 11 year old. Great work from Rebecca Emin, looking forward to reading the next book.
December 2, 2011
I decided I wanted to read this book first because I work in a school library and this is a book geared for the ages at my school, and second because it is about bullying, and we have had a huge anti-bullying campaign in our schools for years.
I am glad that I chose to read this book - I think that kids will benefit from reading it. Many times victims of bullies remain silent, and let the bullying continue, much to their detriment. They don't know how to handle it, who to tell, if they will be believed even. New Beginnings deals with all of these thoughts, and also explains what to do if you are bullied in a way that they may relate to. Sam, the main character who is being bullied, lets things go to far, to the point where the bullying becomes physically violent. After finding an anti-bullying website, she takes control of the situation. The student bullying Sam eventually realized they are the one with a problem and apologizes to Sam, but not before Sam tells a trusted teacher what has been going on.
I am glad that I chose to read this book - I think that kids will benefit from reading it. Many times victims of bullies remain silent, and let the bullying continue, much to their detriment. They don't know how to handle it, who to tell, if they will be believed even. New Beginnings deals with all of these thoughts, and also explains what to do if you are bullied in a way that they may relate to. Sam, the main character who is being bullied, lets things go to far, to the point where the bullying becomes physically violent. After finding an anti-bullying website, she takes control of the situation. The student bullying Sam eventually realized they are the one with a problem and apologizes to Sam, but not before Sam tells a trusted teacher what has been going on.
April 21, 2012
New Beginnings by Rebecca Emin is about an eleven year old girl who is bullied at school.
I don't think I've read many schoolgirl novels since Malory Towers, and I can't remember much bullying going on there as everyone was having such a "jolly good time".
However, I soon became engrossed with the story about Sam Hendry, a girl starting at a new school on her own, as her primary school friends have all gone to another. This is bad enough, but then she is picked on by Molly and her cronies who destroy her confidence.
The story is told in a style which is very accessible for girls in their early teens with lots of reference to High School Musical and JLS, and has a thread about Sam's drama class so they could identify with that too. I think that they would enjoy finding out how Sam resolves being bullied, and this would help any one who suffers in this way.
I think it would be ideal for mothers and daughters to read it (not necessarily together) then discuss any problems that the girls might have at school afterwards.
I'm looking forward to reading more books by Rebecca.
I don't think I've read many schoolgirl novels since Malory Towers, and I can't remember much bullying going on there as everyone was having such a "jolly good time".
However, I soon became engrossed with the story about Sam Hendry, a girl starting at a new school on her own, as her primary school friends have all gone to another. This is bad enough, but then she is picked on by Molly and her cronies who destroy her confidence.
The story is told in a style which is very accessible for girls in their early teens with lots of reference to High School Musical and JLS, and has a thread about Sam's drama class so they could identify with that too. I think that they would enjoy finding out how Sam resolves being bullied, and this would help any one who suffers in this way.
I think it would be ideal for mothers and daughters to read it (not necessarily together) then discuss any problems that the girls might have at school afterwards.
I'm looking forward to reading more books by Rebecca.
June 4, 2012
Rebecca I am a forever fan! I downloaded your book on my Kindle and read it this weekend. I have young relatives who have experienced what this young girl has, bullying in school. I am going to pass it on to them and my family members who are teachers. Thanks for the web site info too! Your book should be listed as a resource on that website, if it is not. For those tweens/teens who are bullied or even feel alone for whatever reason, this book is encouraging. Too bad that those who bully may never read how they affect others. At first, I wondered why Sam, the main character, confides in her friends about the bullying and not in her family members to whom she feels so close. At that stage in life, this is common and I am so glad that her friends and other adults in her life supported her in her struggle to be strong and overcome. Loved Sam, Nathan, the friends and family members! Thank you again for a wonderful book.
March 2, 2013
GOODREADS FIRST-READS:
I wanted to start on this book, ..., but then I got sick and I wasn't able to pick it up for a week! Luckily I got better and finished it in two days as I loved it! This is a fantastic book for young teens (12-14 years). I think everybody can identify themself with the main character and it deals with a subject everybody can relate to. I mean: everybody at least knows somebody who is being bullied, or maybe you are the one being bullied or maybe you are a bully.
I liked the fact that this book gives you some tips about what you can do and shows you are not abnormal for being bullied, that even adults can be a victim and that bulling is often because the bully is feeling bad.
Not only did the book had a good story but it's also some sort of a self-help-guide. I wish I had this book when I was a teen.
I wanted to start on this book, ..., but then I got sick and I wasn't able to pick it up for a week! Luckily I got better and finished it in two days as I loved it! This is a fantastic book for young teens (12-14 years). I think everybody can identify themself with the main character and it deals with a subject everybody can relate to. I mean: everybody at least knows somebody who is being bullied, or maybe you are the one being bullied or maybe you are a bully.
I liked the fact that this book gives you some tips about what you can do and shows you are not abnormal for being bullied, that even adults can be a victim and that bulling is often because the bully is feeling bad.
Not only did the book had a good story but it's also some sort of a self-help-guide. I wish I had this book when I was a teen.
December 30, 2014
I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
I normal recommend who would enjoy a book at the end of a review but if you have a child of between 8 and 14 who is subject to bullying then I would highly recommend either you or they read this.
It tells the story of Sam who is an eleven year old girl starting a new school. She is bullied by one girl in particular at the start and the book goes through how she deals with it as well as the other activities in her life.
I would have loved to have read a book like this when I was starting secondary school and the advice it gives might have helped me with my education.
I like the style of the writing as I think too many authors do not tell stories like this in the third person. The language is age suitable and it even has a celebrity cameo!
The book was a pleasure to read and I am glad I did.
I normal recommend who would enjoy a book at the end of a review but if you have a child of between 8 and 14 who is subject to bullying then I would highly recommend either you or they read this.
It tells the story of Sam who is an eleven year old girl starting a new school. She is bullied by one girl in particular at the start and the book goes through how she deals with it as well as the other activities in her life.
I would have loved to have read a book like this when I was starting secondary school and the advice it gives might have helped me with my education.
I like the style of the writing as I think too many authors do not tell stories like this in the third person. The language is age suitable and it even has a celebrity cameo!
The book was a pleasure to read and I am glad I did.
September 8, 2011
Sam Hendry is moving on from primary school and her old friends. The transition is not easy. Sam finds herself the victim of bullying as she struggles to find her feet in her new school. Rebecca Emin brilliantly captures the vulnerability and confusion of adolescence and convincingly portrays Sam's experiences and thoughts. The feel good storyline of Sam finding her identity through her talent for music is wonderful and gives the book a great appeal for would be stars! And the ending is just terrific. The book is great for children as they move to this new stage in their lives. And it's not just for girls, my ten year boy was totally engrossed in Sam's story and how it turned out. I highly recommend this book for the 8-12 age group, it's encouraging, engaging and a great read.
December 24, 2016
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in return for my honest and fair review and feedback. *
Sam starts a new school and gets bullied by a group of girls. Throughout the course of the book, Sam encounters other friends (outside of school) and successes in her performing arts endeavors and love life. These successes help her to stand up for herself and the bullying.
This is an important book on bullying. It addresses how so few people could know you were being bullied and how dangerous it could get. Overall I liked how it was handled, but wished the author had not stopped it so quickly and easily. That typically is not the case with bullies. Overall though a good book for upper elementary school girls.
Sam starts a new school and gets bullied by a group of girls. Throughout the course of the book, Sam encounters other friends (outside of school) and successes in her performing arts endeavors and love life. These successes help her to stand up for herself and the bullying.
This is an important book on bullying. It addresses how so few people could know you were being bullied and how dangerous it could get. Overall I liked how it was handled, but wished the author had not stopped it so quickly and easily. That typically is not the case with bullies. Overall though a good book for upper elementary school girls.
September 9, 2014
I received this book on the first reads scheme in exchange for an honest review. Thank You for this opportunity.
This book should have been cheesy. It should have dulled me in two minutes flat and should be getting a negative review however something in me can not do that.
This book is about a young girl being bullied and overcoming it and mastering her talents and it was fantastic. I can’t help thinking when I was bullied how much this book would have meant to me.
Yes it was preachy but to its target audience if this book helps one child through bullying its worth its weight in gold.
Rating: 4/5
This book should have been cheesy. It should have dulled me in two minutes flat and should be getting a negative review however something in me can not do that.
This book is about a young girl being bullied and overcoming it and mastering her talents and it was fantastic. I can’t help thinking when I was bullied how much this book would have meant to me.
Yes it was preachy but to its target audience if this book helps one child through bullying its worth its weight in gold.
Rating: 4/5
March 9, 2012
** I received this book as a First reads giveaway. Thanks **
This book should be in every children and school library.
It is really accessible and gives clear indications what should be done when one is the subject of bullying.
In the first 40 pages, I found there were many repetitions and it was a bit tedious. After that, it picked up. I liked how Sam's life evolved and the steps she took to improve her situation.
Suggestion : I felt it would have been interesting to have a reminder page at the end with the steps to take in these kinds of situations.
This book should be in every children and school library.
It is really accessible and gives clear indications what should be done when one is the subject of bullying.
In the first 40 pages, I found there were many repetitions and it was a bit tedious. After that, it picked up. I liked how Sam's life evolved and the steps she took to improve her situation.
Suggestion : I felt it would have been interesting to have a reminder page at the end with the steps to take in these kinds of situations.
April 4, 2013
first of all, i would like to thank the author of this book, Rebecca Emin, who sent me this awsome book that i won from a goodreads giveway......this was the first book i read about bulling and one word i can say....excellent....the main character, sam despite the fact that she is too young and the bulling problems she has at school by molly, she has the courage to move on (with the help of very good friends)...that thing should do all the children or whoever faces these problems and the most important thing, tell somebody about that, as Sam....Greetings from Greece....
November 15, 2011
For the full review, visit my blog
New Beginnings is a very easy read (I managed to finish it in under 24 hours), so children won’t have a problem with it. There’s also a lot of extra advice for them on how to deal with bullies, and this will also prove valuable for parents who know or suspect that their child is being bullied.
New Beginnings is a very easy read (I managed to finish it in under 24 hours), so children won’t have a problem with it. There’s also a lot of extra advice for them on how to deal with bullies, and this will also prove valuable for parents who know or suspect that their child is being bullied.
February 17, 2012
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book in a goodreads give away and I am so pleased I did. Sam is an eleven year old girl who has moved to a school where she knows no one. We follow Sam as she is bullied and then comes out the other side more confident than ever. This is a real story from the heart that all children and parents should read. New beginnings is a very easy read that anyone can get stuck into.
March 27, 2012
I don't read a lot of YA books but this one was wonderful. My son suffered bullying when he was younger and eventually I pulled him from school to be home-schooled. However, as a parent, I never knew the extent the bullying effected my son until much later. I think one thing this novel does a good job at getting across is the importance of telling someone about the bullying and keeping a journal of the abuse. This book should be read by YA and parents.
July 23, 2012
Timely subject told in a sympathetic manner. Bullying happens at all ages and for a variety of reasons. Rebecca's character, Sam, who is the brunt of the bullying is realistic and the reader empathises with her.
After all, when you're being bullied, you don't want people to know but when Sam discovered a website dedicated to the subject of bullying, she decided to do something about it.
After all, when you're being bullied, you don't want people to know but when Sam discovered a website dedicated to the subject of bullying, she decided to do something about it.
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