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The Red Bear Society
Johnson White High School has a new Principal and her name is Sharon Grayson. She’s not new to controversy, nor is she moved by standardized test scores that measure student achievement. Sharon believes that the biggest hindrance to her students is the social evils that hound them every second of the day. After a creative back-to-school orientation goes awry; parents, students, and the media begin questioning her credentials. Armed with startling statistics and backed by the school district’s superintendent, who has his own agenda, she sets out to educate students and parents on what’s really going on with today’s teens. “Go home and check your child’s cell-phone and computer,” was the homework assignment she gave to a crowd of angry parents. But it will take a tragic accident to capture their attention. The Red Bear Society is formed after the students of Johnson White host a blood drive in response to the accident, which left a fellow classmate in critical condition. A chain of events, including the suicide of a popular athlete, places them all in the national spotlight. With Sharon at the helm, the students band together and display true courage as rumors, innuendo, and a relentless slew of reporters converge on their beloved school. The Red Bear Society is a powerful novel that addresses several issues that many teens are experiencing today. It is not just a novel for teenagers, but a must-read for any and everyone who has a teenager in their life. If you believe your child is not being influenced by peer pressure and is beyond the grasp of the negative influence of social media, then I double dare you to read the Red Bear Society.
- GenresFiction
440 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 2012
2 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Tracy L. Darity
6 books101 followersAs a child, she had a creative imagination and a love for reading. In her early teens, she began writing short stories as a hobby. It was not until she attended the 1997 Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana, that she decided she wanted to fulfill her dream of becoming a novelist. The words of Tavis Smiley inspired her. She jotted down this message during his speech at one of the forums: “We all have a God-given talent, but if you don’t have the desire to define, develop, and deliver your talent, you will always be in the audience and never on stage.”
Tracy returned home from the festival energized and began penning her first novel. She didn’t complete the manuscript until late 1998. Over time, Darity became discouraged after receiving rejection letters from the publishing industry. She shelved her manuscript, but now and then, she would pull it out and do minor rewrites. The desire to have her work published still simmered deep inside. In 2004, the flame inside her reignited, and she decided to pursue self-publishing. As time passed, she began to feel discouraged again but refused to give up. She researched, talked with other self-published authors, and continued believing that her dream would one day become a reality.
In 2025, Darity will re-release her debut novel, "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not!", as a four-part series. She is working on her fourth book, “When Sunday Comes...”, scheduled for release in 2025. Readers can also expect the follow-up sequel and final book of the "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not!" series, titled "Khadejah," in 2026.
Tracy returned home from the festival energized and began penning her first novel. She didn’t complete the manuscript until late 1998. Over time, Darity became discouraged after receiving rejection letters from the publishing industry. She shelved her manuscript, but now and then, she would pull it out and do minor rewrites. The desire to have her work published still simmered deep inside. In 2004, the flame inside her reignited, and she decided to pursue self-publishing. As time passed, she began to feel discouraged again but refused to give up. She researched, talked with other self-published authors, and continued believing that her dream would one day become a reality.
In 2025, Darity will re-release her debut novel, "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not!", as a four-part series. She is working on her fourth book, “When Sunday Comes...”, scheduled for release in 2025. Readers can also expect the follow-up sequel and final book of the "He Loves Me He Loves Me Not!" series, titled "Khadejah," in 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 17, 2012
What’s Your Status?
With a little career turbulence in her past, Sharon Grayson is looking forward to returning to her hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, as the principal of Johnson White High School. Her approach is controversial. Will the ends justify the means?
I picked up “The Red Bear Society” thinking I had a good understanding of what it was going to be about. Over a week later I closed the book with a different understanding. Darity turned the story into something more. Subjects such as teen pregnancy, promiscuity, sexually transmitted diseases, drugs, sexual abuse, self-esteem, peer pressure and HIV/AIDS are tackled and addressed. At times it was a bit much, maybe too much, but it was done in an entertaining way. Through a fictional story that readers can enjoy and even relate to, Darity delivered a strong and informative message. She was able to do so without being preachy or too technical. Johnson White High School could be any high school, or even any middle school, in any city in any state. Its relevance is timely.
I was very, very disappointed to find such a strong story, such an important message, a book with great potential hindered by editing issues. Missing punctuation and what seemed to be no understanding of possession (apostrophe s) plagued the story. The issues were enough to prove both distracting and irritating. It’s unfortunate as it prevents this book from reaching its full potential. I would strongly urge the author to seek the assistance of a qualified copy editor.
That said, “The Red Bear Society” is a book that should be read and taken seriously. Hopefully it will be a wake-up call for those still sleeping on HIV/AIDS. Character Sharon Grayson said it best, “A baby may redirect your life but HIV/AIDS can end it.”
Reviewed by: Toni
3.75 stars
With a little career turbulence in her past, Sharon Grayson is looking forward to returning to her hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, as the principal of Johnson White High School. Her approach is controversial. Will the ends justify the means?
I picked up “The Red Bear Society” thinking I had a good understanding of what it was going to be about. Over a week later I closed the book with a different understanding. Darity turned the story into something more. Subjects such as teen pregnancy, promiscuity, sexually transmitted diseases, drugs, sexual abuse, self-esteem, peer pressure and HIV/AIDS are tackled and addressed. At times it was a bit much, maybe too much, but it was done in an entertaining way. Through a fictional story that readers can enjoy and even relate to, Darity delivered a strong and informative message. She was able to do so without being preachy or too technical. Johnson White High School could be any high school, or even any middle school, in any city in any state. Its relevance is timely.
I was very, very disappointed to find such a strong story, such an important message, a book with great potential hindered by editing issues. Missing punctuation and what seemed to be no understanding of possession (apostrophe s) plagued the story. The issues were enough to prove both distracting and irritating. It’s unfortunate as it prevents this book from reaching its full potential. I would strongly urge the author to seek the assistance of a qualified copy editor.
That said, “The Red Bear Society” is a book that should be read and taken seriously. Hopefully it will be a wake-up call for those still sleeping on HIV/AIDS. Character Sharon Grayson said it best, “A baby may redirect your life but HIV/AIDS can end it.”
Reviewed by: Toni
3.75 stars
May 27, 2012
This was a great read!
This book is centered around our teenagers and some of the most serious issues they face. As a parent, we tend to shut the blinders to some of the corruption occurring in our schools, churches and communities. I could appreciate a principal like Sharon Grayson. When she first comes to Johnson White High School, she coordinates a back to school orientation. It offended some and caused questioning of her credentials. Not being new to controversy, she stands firm on her beliefs. In the end, eyes were opened and lessons were learned.
This is truly an eye opener everyone needs to read. You walk away viewing issues in a different light.
This book is centered around our teenagers and some of the most serious issues they face. As a parent, we tend to shut the blinders to some of the corruption occurring in our schools, churches and communities. I could appreciate a principal like Sharon Grayson. When she first comes to Johnson White High School, she coordinates a back to school orientation. It offended some and caused questioning of her credentials. Not being new to controversy, she stands firm on her beliefs. In the end, eyes were opened and lessons were learned.
This is truly an eye opener everyone needs to read. You walk away viewing issues in a different light.
October 5, 2012
I liked the book. It was a little disturbing to learn that students are engaging in inappropriate unprotected sexual behavior.As an educator, I knew students were having sex but not quite like the book detailed it. In the book, you will meet Sharon, Dr. P, Kiamani, Kente and a slew of other charaters that details how school is more than a learning institution; its an institution that breeds many things; love, friendship, hate, athleticisim, and family. In the case of The Red Bear Society, it breeds awareness and backlash of sexual activity.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was enlightening and infuriating at times. With that being said, I think the book was too long. It took until chapter 5 to understand and connect the prologue and I had a hard time keeping up with the names of the characters like Shelia, Sharita, Carmen, Mallory, Jennifer, Solanda. It was difficult keeping the stories straight as I progressed in the book.
I would really like my students to read the book but I have reluctant readers so this may be a challenge unless I read the book to the class. Once they got into, I know it would draw them in but the "getting into it" is the challenge because it was a challenge for me.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was enlightening and infuriating at times. With that being said, I think the book was too long. It took until chapter 5 to understand and connect the prologue and I had a hard time keeping up with the names of the characters like Shelia, Sharita, Carmen, Mallory, Jennifer, Solanda. It was difficult keeping the stories straight as I progressed in the book.
I would really like my students to read the book but I have reluctant readers so this may be a challenge unless I read the book to the class. Once they got into, I know it would draw them in but the "getting into it" is the challenge because it was a challenge for me.
April 10, 2013
Choices
This is a book I highly recommend for the teenagers and young adults who think they are invincible. This book deals with everything from peer pressure, sex, underage drinking, STD’s, drugs, to suicide and the effects of these choices. This is a perfect example of having to be responsible and making the right choices.
Ms. Darity does a good job telling a story of a H.S principal who wants nothing but the best for students. Sharon Grayson is offered a principal spot in St. Petersburg, FL, her hometown after a very rough tender in Texas. In her new position she wants to bring about awareness to the students and the parents and this causes problems but she gets her point across. I love the fact that financial status didn't matter. From the popular kids to the not so popular kids were affected. Social status didn't matter everyone was affected.
Everyone should read this book. You will learn a lot and get up on today’s text slang. I was shaking my head all through the book. At times I wanted to cry for them. I laughed for them and cursed them out. I wish it was toned down a bit so my kids could read it as they’re Pre teens. Highly recommended reading
SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc
4.25 rating
April 2013
This is a book I highly recommend for the teenagers and young adults who think they are invincible. This book deals with everything from peer pressure, sex, underage drinking, STD’s, drugs, to suicide and the effects of these choices. This is a perfect example of having to be responsible and making the right choices.
Ms. Darity does a good job telling a story of a H.S principal who wants nothing but the best for students. Sharon Grayson is offered a principal spot in St. Petersburg, FL, her hometown after a very rough tender in Texas. In her new position she wants to bring about awareness to the students and the parents and this causes problems but she gets her point across. I love the fact that financial status didn't matter. From the popular kids to the not so popular kids were affected. Social status didn't matter everyone was affected.
Everyone should read this book. You will learn a lot and get up on today’s text slang. I was shaking my head all through the book. At times I wanted to cry for them. I laughed for them and cursed them out. I wish it was toned down a bit so my kids could read it as they’re Pre teens. Highly recommended reading
SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc
4.25 rating
April 2013
April 26, 2012
This book left me speechless! I had no idea that kids today dealt with so much on a daily basis. Johnson White High School is struck by a series of tragedies that leaves its students with more questions than answers. What started as an innocent blood drive turns into a catalyst for a major scandal in the community. The school’s new principal, Sharon Grayson is forced to make sure that everything that is done is in the best interests of the students.
The Red Bear Society is a must read for parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone else who is in contact with teenagers. It opened my eyes to several different issues that I didn’t even consider issues for teenagers.
The Red Bear Society is a must read for parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone else who is in contact with teenagers. It opened my eyes to several different issues that I didn’t even consider issues for teenagers.
September 9, 2013
Just received my free copy. As a retired teacher I'm anxious to start reading!
This book is set at a high achievers high school in St. Petersburg Florida. It attempts to show the evils that are at play in middle schools and high schools by detailing the lives of students. The focus is parties where drugs are prevalent, sex among students who don't seem to know or care about the consequences of pregnancy and STDs, as well as HIV and suicide.
There is a courageous new principal who does for best to inform parents and students of these problems and how to be more aware of how they are dragged into participation. The school is hit by one tragedy after another. But there is one student who works with the principal to bring information and action to the other students.
The book is preachy and unbelievable. It is full of editing errors, misused words, improper verb to subject agreement and just wrong word usage- not easy to read.
This book is set at a high achievers high school in St. Petersburg Florida. It attempts to show the evils that are at play in middle schools and high schools by detailing the lives of students. The focus is parties where drugs are prevalent, sex among students who don't seem to know or care about the consequences of pregnancy and STDs, as well as HIV and suicide.
There is a courageous new principal who does for best to inform parents and students of these problems and how to be more aware of how they are dragged into participation. The school is hit by one tragedy after another. But there is one student who works with the principal to bring information and action to the other students.
The book is preachy and unbelievable. It is full of editing errors, misused words, improper verb to subject agreement and just wrong word usage- not easy to read.
January 22, 2014
While I didn't like the subject matter - it was disturbing - the author does a good job in opening the eyes of the reader to matters that we don't want to believe are out there.
When I first heard of what our youngsters are up to, I was quite stunned; I wasn't familiar though with it to this extent and had no idea when I began reading this book what I was in for. Be prepared for hard-hitting truths of what's going on with our teens and preteens today and those things they are involved with. The synopsis doesn't even give a glimpse as to subject matter.
This book is really difficult to get through; it's intense and will probably be shocking to many. It is well-written and disturbing but as an adult, you need to read it.
When I first heard of what our youngsters are up to, I was quite stunned; I wasn't familiar though with it to this extent and had no idea when I began reading this book what I was in for. Be prepared for hard-hitting truths of what's going on with our teens and preteens today and those things they are involved with. The synopsis doesn't even give a glimpse as to subject matter.
This book is really difficult to get through; it's intense and will probably be shocking to many. It is well-written and disturbing but as an adult, you need to read it.
September 16, 2020
I received this book through the First Reads giveaway program on Goodreads. Review to follow.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews