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Gray Zone
The victim of a cyber-prank gone viral, Autumn was forced to transfer schools—not exactly what she wanted to do as a sophomore. But what choice did she have when all her personal information was posted all over the web?
Determined to make the best of her situation, Autumn decides to reinvent herself as the outgoing, popular, not-at-all-shy girl she'd always wanted to be.
But even the best plans go awry and Autumn fails to change the old habits that had given her that shy girl reputation in the first place. So when she learns that her best friend, Sophie Rose, is transferring to her new school she’s relieved, until Sophie starts keeping her distance.
Autumn finds herself adrift without the support of her best friend. But when tragedy shakes her world she stops feeling sad. Now she's angry—and she's determined to put a stop to this cyber-torture and bullying of herself and the people she loves.
Determined to make the best of her situation, Autumn decides to reinvent herself as the outgoing, popular, not-at-all-shy girl she'd always wanted to be.
But even the best plans go awry and Autumn fails to change the old habits that had given her that shy girl reputation in the first place. So when she learns that her best friend, Sophie Rose, is transferring to her new school she’s relieved, until Sophie starts keeping her distance.
Autumn finds herself adrift without the support of her best friend. But when tragedy shakes her world she stops feeling sad. Now she's angry—and she's determined to put a stop to this cyber-torture and bullying of herself and the people she loves.
282 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Veronica R. Tabares
15 books16 followersVeronica R. Tabares, MFA, MLIS, is a passionate award-winning author on a mission to make a positive impact in people's lives through the power of storytelling. Many books later and she is still fueled by the initial creative spark that started it all. Writing and her love of archaeology aside, Veronica enjoys nothing more than spending quality time with her loved ones who inspire her to be her best version daily.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 6, 2015
Gray Zone is about a girl named Autumn. She has been constantly bullied and cyberbullied by her classmates, including having private information about her made public. Due to this bullying, her parents have decided to transfer her to a different school. Willing to make the best of her current situation, she has decided to be an outgoing, popular girl and no longer be the shy girl she used to be. However, even though she plans to become popular, her old habits seem to get the best of her. She then finds out that her best friend, Sophie, will be transferring to her new school. Now that Sophie has transferred, she is keeping her distance from Autumn. Autumn doesn't understand why Sophie is acting aloof. She is no longer sad and depressed; she’s furious. She plans on stopping the bullying and everything that is making her life miserable.
Opinion:
I really enjoyed Gray Zone; it showed the effects of bullying on students and the factors that can lead to it. The book gave the reader many reasons to stand up for others who are being bullied. It showed how difficult life can be for those experiencing cyberbullying. I recommend that readers interested in the impact of bullying or anyone experiencing bullying themselves read this book.
I appreciated the story’s message of strength for those experiencing bullying.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 15
Gray Zone by Veronica R. Tabares is about a sophomore girl named Autumn. After Autumn encounters cyberbullies, her parents insist she transfer schools. Autumn has always been the shy girl without many friends, but she plans to change this when she arrives at her new school. She strives to become the outgoing, friendly girl that everyone wants to be friends with. Yet trying to fit into this new and improved personality isn’t as easy as she thought it would be. So when her best friend, Sophie Rose, also transfers to Autumn’s school, Autumn is relieved. However, she soon finds that Sophie Rose has also taken on a new personality, and the two friends drift apart from each other. After a tragic event changes Autumn’s life, she realizes no one can escape the wrath of bullying.
Opinion:
I enjoyed reading Gray Zone and appreciated its themes concerning bullying, since it is so common in schools today. I liked how parts of this story were told through Sophie Rose’s diary entries, which allowed you to learn about events through dual perspectives. The events described in this story were realistic, but I don’t think the ways the characters handled the situations were lifelike. It was easy to like the main character, Autumn, as she was very relatable. Overall, I liked this novel and would recommend it to others, especially victims of bullying. This book brings attention to issues that are occurring every day in schools.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 15
Opinion:
I really enjoyed Gray Zone; it showed the effects of bullying on students and the factors that can lead to it. The book gave the reader many reasons to stand up for others who are being bullied. It showed how difficult life can be for those experiencing cyberbullying. I recommend that readers interested in the impact of bullying or anyone experiencing bullying themselves read this book.
I appreciated the story’s message of strength for those experiencing bullying.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 15
Gray Zone by Veronica R. Tabares is about a sophomore girl named Autumn. After Autumn encounters cyberbullies, her parents insist she transfer schools. Autumn has always been the shy girl without many friends, but she plans to change this when she arrives at her new school. She strives to become the outgoing, friendly girl that everyone wants to be friends with. Yet trying to fit into this new and improved personality isn’t as easy as she thought it would be. So when her best friend, Sophie Rose, also transfers to Autumn’s school, Autumn is relieved. However, she soon finds that Sophie Rose has also taken on a new personality, and the two friends drift apart from each other. After a tragic event changes Autumn’s life, she realizes no one can escape the wrath of bullying.
Opinion:
I enjoyed reading Gray Zone and appreciated its themes concerning bullying, since it is so common in schools today. I liked how parts of this story were told through Sophie Rose’s diary entries, which allowed you to learn about events through dual perspectives. The events described in this story were realistic, but I don’t think the ways the characters handled the situations were lifelike. It was easy to like the main character, Autumn, as she was very relatable. Overall, I liked this novel and would recommend it to others, especially victims of bullying. This book brings attention to issues that are occurring every day in schools.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age 15
January 28, 2015
This novel will deeply resonate with any teen who has not only experienced the agonizing struggles of junior high or high school, but who also now must navigate growing up on the wider stage of the Internet. It will also strike fear into the heart of any parent who grew up in a different world, but who are all too aware of cyber-predators and bullies that lurk preying on the naive and vulnerable young. And yet, with all of its heart-wrenching realism, this is a novel of hope and strength.
With a subject such as cyber-bullying, a writer could fall into the trap of lecturing and moralizing more than narrating an absorbing story. But it is clear from the first pages that Tabares is an immensely talented author who not only shapes multi-dimensional characters, that we care about, but she also has that special gift of making fiction feel more real than reality. Autumn and Sophie Rose circumnavigate through not only bullying, but also making friends in a new school, boys, concerns about popularity, grades, and even finances. Tabares manages to get into the head of these girls like she was in high school yesterday. She likewise crafts razor sharp teenage angst and pain through diary entries and an adroit first person narrative.
The takeaways here are an engaging story that readers of any age can relate to. But this is especially so for teens who live with the constant balance of being authentic and the understandable desire to be popular. And all this during the period of life and growth that is arguably the most challenging. To have to also deal with bullying in these new forms that seem to permeate all boundaries—what teen does not have a phone or can resist reading constant incoming texts?—translates to a new level of vulnerability and jeopardy.
While no parent or teacher, or law enforcement will be able to fully protect teens from cyber-bullying, Gray Zone forcefully highlights a complex subject. In doing so, the novel makes remarkable strides in informing through a well-wrought, thoughtful story that will stay with the reader for a long time.
With a subject such as cyber-bullying, a writer could fall into the trap of lecturing and moralizing more than narrating an absorbing story. But it is clear from the first pages that Tabares is an immensely talented author who not only shapes multi-dimensional characters, that we care about, but she also has that special gift of making fiction feel more real than reality. Autumn and Sophie Rose circumnavigate through not only bullying, but also making friends in a new school, boys, concerns about popularity, grades, and even finances. Tabares manages to get into the head of these girls like she was in high school yesterday. She likewise crafts razor sharp teenage angst and pain through diary entries and an adroit first person narrative.
The takeaways here are an engaging story that readers of any age can relate to. But this is especially so for teens who live with the constant balance of being authentic and the understandable desire to be popular. And all this during the period of life and growth that is arguably the most challenging. To have to also deal with bullying in these new forms that seem to permeate all boundaries—what teen does not have a phone or can resist reading constant incoming texts?—translates to a new level of vulnerability and jeopardy.
While no parent or teacher, or law enforcement will be able to fully protect teens from cyber-bullying, Gray Zone forcefully highlights a complex subject. In doing so, the novel makes remarkable strides in informing through a well-wrought, thoughtful story that will stay with the reader for a long time.
April 16, 2015
Autumn had been sheltered and protected her entire life, but there were things that she couldn't always be hidden from. Bullies and tragedy, for example. She never understood how someone could be bullied to death...until it hit close to home. Now Autumn is on the warpath and determined to show them it is not OK.
Gray Zone is an honest look at bullying and cyber-bullying. Veronica Tabares has given this tricky topic the limelight to really show people the danger, and she does it in an entertaining way that will stay with you long after you have read it.
Tabares is clearly passionate about this topic, and that passion is evident on every page of this book. Not only do you see it in her words, but you feel it; and it really helps drive home the messages of Gray Zone.
The author is obviously a skilled writer-she builds her world beautifully and puts you right in the middle of it. She also knows how to develop her characters. Autumn and Sophie Rose are real people; they are complex and emotional and human. She makes them relatable and believable, and she makes you care about them. When they hurt, we hurt.
Gray Zone is an emotional journey that teaches us to be careful what you say to other people because words can do more damage than you think. This is a book for everyone-age doesn't matter, the genre you prefer doesn't matter. It is an amazing read by itself but the message within its pages make it that much better.
Gray Zone is an honest look at bullying and cyber-bullying. Veronica Tabares has given this tricky topic the limelight to really show people the danger, and she does it in an entertaining way that will stay with you long after you have read it.
Tabares is clearly passionate about this topic, and that passion is evident on every page of this book. Not only do you see it in her words, but you feel it; and it really helps drive home the messages of Gray Zone.
The author is obviously a skilled writer-she builds her world beautifully and puts you right in the middle of it. She also knows how to develop her characters. Autumn and Sophie Rose are real people; they are complex and emotional and human. She makes them relatable and believable, and she makes you care about them. When they hurt, we hurt.
Gray Zone is an emotional journey that teaches us to be careful what you say to other people because words can do more damage than you think. This is a book for everyone-age doesn't matter, the genre you prefer doesn't matter. It is an amazing read by itself but the message within its pages make it that much better.
June 5, 2015
Honestly, it’s about time that there’s a work of fiction out there that tackles this important topic. Young adults have always struggled with identity issues and insecurity, but it has all been amplified by modern technology to become all that more difficult to handle. Autumn’s story is an all-too-realistic account of one such experience.
I think ‘Gray Zone’ can serve a lot of important roles for YA readers. For one, it’s well-written and engaging, and really speaks to the psyche of young people (at least in my opinion). Two, it addresses an important issue that kids should be aware of. What better way to deliver the message than through an entertaining work of fiction? And finally, I think Autumn as a character is very relatable for a lot of young girls. She can make them feel less alone in the world. At least, that’s what great YA fiction always did for me when I was that age. Highly recommended.
I think ‘Gray Zone’ can serve a lot of important roles for YA readers. For one, it’s well-written and engaging, and really speaks to the psyche of young people (at least in my opinion). Two, it addresses an important issue that kids should be aware of. What better way to deliver the message than through an entertaining work of fiction? And finally, I think Autumn as a character is very relatable for a lot of young girls. She can make them feel less alone in the world. At least, that’s what great YA fiction always did for me when I was that age. Highly recommended.
June 22, 2015
I really enjoyed Gray Zone from Veronica R. Tabares because it covers a subject that I feel isn't talked about enough, cyber bullying. I think that many children, teens and even adults are cyber bullied, but don't talk about it and this book brings up the point that it is very important to talk to someone if you are being cyber bullied. Autumn was forced to transfer schools because of all the information that was leaked about her and she doesn't feel as though she can continue on in the school that she was currently in. Autumn tries to reinvent herself into a girl who is outgoing and popular. Things get worse when her best friend Sophie switches schools and she is left to fight the cyber bullying alone. The messages in this book are very important to talk about and I really think that every teen should read this one.
December 27, 2013
I received a free copy of this book from goodreads first reads!
Autumn is a sophmore in highschool who is a victim of cyber bullying who had to transfer to a new school. She is a shy and quiet girl who decides to reinvent herself into a more outgoing and social person. But reinventing yourself isnt as easy as she thought. Then her bestfriend transfers into the new school and begins to ignore her. A tragedy will make autumn begin to stand up to the bullys. I liked the book it flowed good and kept me interested (since I finished it within a few hours of reading.) I really liked autumn she was a character that stood for what she believed in. I'm hoping that there is another book so we can see more of autumn fighting the bullies!
Autumn is a sophmore in highschool who is a victim of cyber bullying who had to transfer to a new school. She is a shy and quiet girl who decides to reinvent herself into a more outgoing and social person. But reinventing yourself isnt as easy as she thought. Then her bestfriend transfers into the new school and begins to ignore her. A tragedy will make autumn begin to stand up to the bullys. I liked the book it flowed good and kept me interested (since I finished it within a few hours of reading.) I really liked autumn she was a character that stood for what she believed in. I'm hoping that there is another book so we can see more of autumn fighting the bullies!
April 30, 2015
My thanks to Veronica R. Tabares and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for my copy of Gray Zone.
When you combine a very shy teenage girl, bullies, postings on the Internet by bullies about the shy girl, you have the start of this story about the difficulties of the teen years. Changing schools and her image seemed to be a good solution but history soon catches up and you will have to read Gray Zone to find out the rest of this very interesting story. It is a well written story that will open your eyes about how bullies exert pressure on our young.
When you combine a very shy teenage girl, bullies, postings on the Internet by bullies about the shy girl, you have the start of this story about the difficulties of the teen years. Changing schools and her image seemed to be a good solution but history soon catches up and you will have to read Gray Zone to find out the rest of this very interesting story. It is a well written story that will open your eyes about how bullies exert pressure on our young.
January 25, 2015
This is a really interesting book for teenagers as it is about cyber bullying that is happening quite often these days. Autumn who is the victim of a cyber prank has to transfer schools as her personal information was posted all over the web. The author develops her characters in the book well and has done considerable research on the cyber bullying theme very well. Therefore I was able to feel what Autumn is going through as the story unfolds.
Recommended for all young and teenagers readers.
Recommended for all young and teenagers readers.
August 14, 2016
Original review found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
I won a copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
This story dives in to the topic of bullying which is a socially relevant topic in today's society with all of the media coverage you see regarding the victims of bullying. As this was written for a YA audience I felt a lot of it was glossed over and barely scratched the surface however was enough to get you thinking on the subject.
The main character of Autumn was kind of annoying at times with her in her mind pep talks and lack of confidence yet I have the feeling that she was written hat way on purpose to outline the thoughts that go through peoples minds. I also found the part about the stalker almost random as it did not have a whole lot of basis on the actual storyline.
The saving grace of this story and the most powerful part was the diary entries written by Sophie. They perhaps carried the strongest message regarding the impact of bullying and were by far the best part of the book. The story was left open at the end and I am not sure if this is for a sequel or if it is because of the topic that it could have been a slippery slope to take the story further.
Overall a pleasing way to pass some time. This was a very quick read. I started it with my morning coffee and had it done at the same time I finished my second cup. Keep in mind that my cups are enormous and I am a sipper however I would say that it took no more than an hour to get through this read. A solid three star read based on the socially significant topic
I won a copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
This story dives in to the topic of bullying which is a socially relevant topic in today's society with all of the media coverage you see regarding the victims of bullying. As this was written for a YA audience I felt a lot of it was glossed over and barely scratched the surface however was enough to get you thinking on the subject.
The main character of Autumn was kind of annoying at times with her in her mind pep talks and lack of confidence yet I have the feeling that she was written hat way on purpose to outline the thoughts that go through peoples minds. I also found the part about the stalker almost random as it did not have a whole lot of basis on the actual storyline.
The saving grace of this story and the most powerful part was the diary entries written by Sophie. They perhaps carried the strongest message regarding the impact of bullying and were by far the best part of the book. The story was left open at the end and I am not sure if this is for a sequel or if it is because of the topic that it could have been a slippery slope to take the story further.
Overall a pleasing way to pass some time. This was a very quick read. I started it with my morning coffee and had it done at the same time I finished my second cup. Keep in mind that my cups are enormous and I am a sipper however I would say that it took no more than an hour to get through this read. A solid three star read based on the socially significant topic
January 19, 2014
The main character, Autumn, has just had to change schools because someone at her school posted her photo, name and address on a website and some really awful and scary comments were made about her, some were even threatening.
She sees going to the new high school as an opportunity to break out of her shyness ... to become more outgoing and able to make friends. Especially a new best friend, since her ex-BFF betrayed her. What she wants is a clean slate to start over.
Sadly, becoming a 'new person' is harder to achieve and though she does manage to make one new friend, it's not at all like she had hoped. Eventually, Autumn does find her voice when it comes to seeing others bullied and she makes a significant difference on at least one occasion.
But sometimes it's hard to see the signs when someone you know and love is being bullied or in an abusive situation. It's hard to know how to help them. Sometimes they don't say anything to anyone and feel there's nothing that *can* be done about it ... or worse, they feel they deserve the abuse.
This was an interesting book with a definite and necessary message about bullying that needs to be shared. I would recommend this book for pre-teens on up, definitely, and I think adults will also find it relate-able. I loved and appreciated the message in this book.
**I won this book in a GoodReads first-reads giveaway listed by the author Veronica R Tabares. Thank you Goodreads and Veronica for the opportunity to read and review this book!
She sees going to the new high school as an opportunity to break out of her shyness ... to become more outgoing and able to make friends. Especially a new best friend, since her ex-BFF betrayed her. What she wants is a clean slate to start over.
Sadly, becoming a 'new person' is harder to achieve and though she does manage to make one new friend, it's not at all like she had hoped. Eventually, Autumn does find her voice when it comes to seeing others bullied and she makes a significant difference on at least one occasion.
But sometimes it's hard to see the signs when someone you know and love is being bullied or in an abusive situation. It's hard to know how to help them. Sometimes they don't say anything to anyone and feel there's nothing that *can* be done about it ... or worse, they feel they deserve the abuse.
This was an interesting book with a definite and necessary message about bullying that needs to be shared. I would recommend this book for pre-teens on up, definitely, and I think adults will also find it relate-able. I loved and appreciated the message in this book.
**I won this book in a GoodReads first-reads giveaway listed by the author Veronica R Tabares. Thank you Goodreads and Veronica for the opportunity to read and review this book!
December 6, 2015
Autumn’s sophomore year is disrupted when she finds herself a victim of cyber bullying. The situation escalated so severely, she was forced to transfer to another school. With a new school she hopes to make a new start, and that begins with a new look and attitude.
Then Autumn is happy to hear her best friend, Sophie Rose is transferring to her new school. She thinks with her friend by her side there is nothing she can conquer. When Sophie stays away from her she is puzzled at why once her best friend is now so distant.
Then her world is once again uprooted when tragedy strikes. Autumn is determined that she is going to take matters into her own hands and put an end to this virtual nightmare. Will she succeed in stopping those that wish to destroy her?
GRAY ZONE is a magnificent book that takes a very serious topic and presents it in a very informative and professional manner. The topic of cyber bulling is one that is literally taking our teenage population by storm. It is one that I feel is out of control. I feel this book would be a tremendous asset if every teen would take the time to read it.
Veronica R. Tabares is to be commended on writing such a thought provoking book. I was highly impressed with her writing style and look forward to seeing future titles in the future. I find this book showcases that she is an author that can take a difficult topic and turn it into a masterpiece
Then Autumn is happy to hear her best friend, Sophie Rose is transferring to her new school. She thinks with her friend by her side there is nothing she can conquer. When Sophie stays away from her she is puzzled at why once her best friend is now so distant.
Then her world is once again uprooted when tragedy strikes. Autumn is determined that she is going to take matters into her own hands and put an end to this virtual nightmare. Will she succeed in stopping those that wish to destroy her?
GRAY ZONE is a magnificent book that takes a very serious topic and presents it in a very informative and professional manner. The topic of cyber bulling is one that is literally taking our teenage population by storm. It is one that I feel is out of control. I feel this book would be a tremendous asset if every teen would take the time to read it.
Veronica R. Tabares is to be commended on writing such a thought provoking book. I was highly impressed with her writing style and look forward to seeing future titles in the future. I find this book showcases that she is an author that can take a difficult topic and turn it into a masterpiece
October 22, 2015
From my review:
"The topic of this book is so, so important—cyberbullying is real and had chilling effects on its victims. It is not something to be taken lightly, so with that perspective, this book is an excellent launching point for discussing cyberbullying and bullying in general with a teenager near you.
As a story, though, it falls flat because the main character's tone is too mature and self-aware for a sophomore in high school. ...Perhaps if the author had continued to add entries throughout the story from Sophie Rose's diary, the struggle with bullying would seem more real. There were flashes of humor throughout the story, in appropriate places, and the writing itself was excellent."
"The topic of this book is so, so important—cyberbullying is real and had chilling effects on its victims. It is not something to be taken lightly, so with that perspective, this book is an excellent launching point for discussing cyberbullying and bullying in general with a teenager near you.
As a story, though, it falls flat because the main character's tone is too mature and self-aware for a sophomore in high school. ...Perhaps if the author had continued to add entries throughout the story from Sophie Rose's diary, the struggle with bullying would seem more real. There were flashes of humor throughout the story, in appropriate places, and the writing itself was excellent."
July 7, 2016
Veronica Tabares takes on a subject matter which is both current and worthy of mention, in Gray Zone. Following the cyber bullying of Autumn, her parents decide to take her out of the school she loves and move her to another for her own safety. She thinks it’s an over-reaction but decides to use the situation to her advantage and reinvent herself as the outgoing girl who loves life at her new school. Tabares writes with skill and effortless ease as she weaves the story of troubled youth and a dark energy which is fuelled by the internet. A sometimes agonising and cautionary tale we could all learn from.
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January 14, 2014I received this free copy from Goodreads. It started off slow but it is a book that parents, teachers, and children should read, It was informative regarding bullying
March 30, 2014
This book was written in a high school type voice which I could not relate to. The subject matter was a good one, however, and the book was a quick read.
February 10, 2014
You can read my review here- http://mechanicalfiend.blogspot.com/2...
September 27, 2014
An interesting, quick read. In a few places I felt the character lost her authentic voice and got a bit preachy, but overall a very good read.
September 28, 2015
Awesome Awesome Awesome book!
October 16, 2016
Captivating writing but falls short with the plot. You can read my full review at http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/view...
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews