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STOP the Bully
Eleven year old Brian is hiding something. His life is falling apart. Dad abandoned the family. Brian hates his new school. And now a violent bully attacks him every day. Can Brian STOP the Bully without revealing his shameful secret? STOP the Bully is a riveting junior novel to empower girls and boys with assertive solutions. The mystery reveals the bullying dilemma from all perspectives. Download FREE teacher notes and FREE kids activities. www.karentyrrell.com Endorsed by Kids Helpline,supporting Kids in Crisis. Supported by teachers and school counselors. STOP the Bully offers specific strategies for dealing with bullying at school. - Kids Book Review
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2014
2 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Karen Tyrrell
20 books189 followersKaren Tyrrell is a Brisbane Children's Rights Ambassador, award-winning author of 15 books, key note speaker, teacher, story teller, workshop and Masterclass presenter. Karen is the winner of 3 awards, 7 literary grants and a mentorship from the Society of Editors. Karen presents writing workshops for Queensland Writers Centre, Brisbane City Libraries, Gold Coast Writers Festival, schools, libraries and hospitals. She has appeared on Seven News and ABC radio, sharing her story of personal empowerment.
Karen’s books are: ME & HER: A Memoir of Madness, ME & HIM: A Guide to Recovery, Bailey Beats the Blah, STOP the Bully, Harry Helps Grandpa Remember, Super Space Kids series and Song Bird Superhero series.
FREE kids activities + FREE teacher notes
http://www.karentyrrell.com
Karen’s books are: ME & HER: A Memoir of Madness, ME & HIM: A Guide to Recovery, Bailey Beats the Blah, STOP the Bully, Harry Helps Grandpa Remember, Super Space Kids series and Song Bird Superhero series.
FREE kids activities + FREE teacher notes
http://www.karentyrrell.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 4, 2015
I, like many people, was bullied as a child. Like the protagonist Brian in Karen Tyrrell’s STOP the Bully, I was the shy, unconfident, head-down new kid, and an easy target to those ‘testing’ me out. The advice I was given to ‘ignore them – they’ll go away if they don’t get a reaction’ was not only incorrect, but in fact spurred the bullies on to step up their attacks in order to get a response – they do it until they get a reaction when you don’t stand up for yourself.
Junior novel STOP the Bully was borne from author Karen Tyrrell’s experiences as a bullied child (read the interview at www.alexfairhill.blogspot.com.au), and later as a teacher bullied by a parent. When moving to a new school, grade six student Brian becomes the immediate and irrational target of the class bully Cody, who also terrorises Brian’s sister Tara, who is in her first year at school.
Two classmates, Pete and Cody’s past victim Amelia, befriend Brian, helping him deal with Cody’s acts, which range from name-calling to hiding schoolbags to physical threats and actions. The three friends – and Cody, under duress – form the Stop the Bully Club in the classroom, to talk about the issue and come up with ways kids can stand up to bullies, ending in a class presentation during which secrets are revealed...
This book has some great strategies for kids about what they can do if they’re bullied – including telling adults and responding appropriately; and shows that the bullies also need help. Bullying is displayed in different forms and to varying degrees; and it is stressed that it is a community problem. What makes a person a bully, the impact of their actions on their family and others, and the help needed to understand their behaviour is also woven through the narrative.
The primary school setting targets the age group well, and the school is effectively an ‘anyschool’, although it took me a minute to work out some of the localised terms, such as ‘port racks’ (bag racks). The voice is clearly that of an 11-year-old boy, and his thoughts help give an insight into the why he acts the way he does – from fear of being seen as a do-gooder, to the protective instinct involving his sister.
Tyrrell has notes for teachers and parents available on her website to build on the information in the book, including colouring-in and classroom activities, enabling the conversation to continue at school and at home.
This book gives a voice to an issue that shouldn’t be ignored because it’s not going away. I can see it being extremely helpful for any child who’s being bullied, letting them know they don’t have to deal with it alone; there is help and support available; and that doing nothing is the surest way to make sure nothing is done to stop the bully.
Junior novel STOP the Bully was borne from author Karen Tyrrell’s experiences as a bullied child (read the interview at www.alexfairhill.blogspot.com.au), and later as a teacher bullied by a parent. When moving to a new school, grade six student Brian becomes the immediate and irrational target of the class bully Cody, who also terrorises Brian’s sister Tara, who is in her first year at school.
Two classmates, Pete and Cody’s past victim Amelia, befriend Brian, helping him deal with Cody’s acts, which range from name-calling to hiding schoolbags to physical threats and actions. The three friends – and Cody, under duress – form the Stop the Bully Club in the classroom, to talk about the issue and come up with ways kids can stand up to bullies, ending in a class presentation during which secrets are revealed...
This book has some great strategies for kids about what they can do if they’re bullied – including telling adults and responding appropriately; and shows that the bullies also need help. Bullying is displayed in different forms and to varying degrees; and it is stressed that it is a community problem. What makes a person a bully, the impact of their actions on their family and others, and the help needed to understand their behaviour is also woven through the narrative.
The primary school setting targets the age group well, and the school is effectively an ‘anyschool’, although it took me a minute to work out some of the localised terms, such as ‘port racks’ (bag racks). The voice is clearly that of an 11-year-old boy, and his thoughts help give an insight into the why he acts the way he does – from fear of being seen as a do-gooder, to the protective instinct involving his sister.
Tyrrell has notes for teachers and parents available on her website to build on the information in the book, including colouring-in and classroom activities, enabling the conversation to continue at school and at home.
This book gives a voice to an issue that shouldn’t be ignored because it’s not going away. I can see it being extremely helpful for any child who’s being bullied, letting them know they don’t have to deal with it alone; there is help and support available; and that doing nothing is the surest way to make sure nothing is done to stop the bully.
June 2, 2014
11yr old Brian has enough to deal with after his family breaks up, he changes school and he's hiding a secret. But things get worse for him. Now there's a bully picking on him every chance he gets. Brian is miserable. What can he do? He can't possibly fight back.
This engaging story by Karen Tyrrell is yet another success in her collection of books addressing various aspects of mental health. Withouth being preachy, the charaters in the book explore the problems of bullying and take action to stop the bully. Kids will enjoy the read and learn resilience skills as well.
Recommended for kids, parents and teachers.
This engaging story by Karen Tyrrell is yet another success in her collection of books addressing various aspects of mental health. Withouth being preachy, the charaters in the book explore the problems of bullying and take action to stop the bully. Kids will enjoy the read and learn resilience skills as well.
Recommended for kids, parents and teachers.
September 10, 2014
The moment Brian and his little sister Tara arrive at their new school, a bully strikes. Brian can hardly believe it. After all that happened in his old school, the new school was meant to be a fresh start. However, Cody Fletcher was bigger than the whole of Brian’s class and he had taken a dislike to Brian.
Luckily Brian is befriended by Amelia, and Pete. Amelia has had her share of bullying too, but she decided to learn how to defend herself by taking up Tae Kwon Do. Pete is just an all-round nice kid, who sticks up for Brian when he can. Brian learns that there is a big race on in a few weeks and everyone can compete, as long as they have running shoes and a permission slip.
Brian asks his mum, but since they moved away from Brian and Tara’s dad, money was tight. In order to keep the bullying from his thoughts, Brian begins to train for the big race and Amelia does her best to teach Brian how to defend himself.
Nothing seems to work, as Cody finds ways to bully Brian regardless. That is until the day their teacher Miss Bliss, suggests that everyone join a group for Friday club. Pete suggests they start a Stop The Bullying Friday club, and guess who joins the club. Amelia, Brian and Cody.
Brian can’t believe that a bully would join an anti-bullying club, but then again, Brian has a secret of his own. Each group must present their progress at the end of term right after the big race. Brian, Amelia and Pete come up with some strategies, while Cody remains disinterested.
The day of the big race comes, and Brian’s mum surprises him with new shoes and a signed permission slip. While Brian is on the race, he hears his sister Tara scream and when he rounds the corner he sees Cody, pulling on Tara’s pigtails.
Brian finally finds his courage. He puts a couple of the Stop The Bullying strategies into practice and calls Cody out on it. Brian takes Tara to the medical room to tend to her scrapes and he learns that Pete has won the big race.
At assembly when the Stop The Bullying Friday club’s turn comes around, Brian reveals that he used to be a bully at his old school. With the help from his counsellor, Brian had agreed to make a fresh start, until he started being bullied himself. Pete and Amelia help to outline the strategies that they have come up with and the whole school learns how to Stop The Bully.
I really enjoyed this story, as Ms Tyrrell drew me into Brian’s plight from the get go. The emotions that Brian goes through were right on par with what kids feel when they are bullied. Helpless, hopeless, with no end in sight.
I particularly liked how the author wove in the strategies to help stop the bullying, and that Amelia did not use her ability to defend herself by using violence against the bully, but to just stop the action while it was happening.
I think kids will really identify with Brian and his friends plight and the ways that they overcome the bullying are definitely strategies that every classroom should adopt.
An engaging and informative read that I believe will engage children ages 5-10.
Reviewed for Creative Kids Tales by Julie Anne Grasso.
Luckily Brian is befriended by Amelia, and Pete. Amelia has had her share of bullying too, but she decided to learn how to defend herself by taking up Tae Kwon Do. Pete is just an all-round nice kid, who sticks up for Brian when he can. Brian learns that there is a big race on in a few weeks and everyone can compete, as long as they have running shoes and a permission slip.
Brian asks his mum, but since they moved away from Brian and Tara’s dad, money was tight. In order to keep the bullying from his thoughts, Brian begins to train for the big race and Amelia does her best to teach Brian how to defend himself.
Nothing seems to work, as Cody finds ways to bully Brian regardless. That is until the day their teacher Miss Bliss, suggests that everyone join a group for Friday club. Pete suggests they start a Stop The Bullying Friday club, and guess who joins the club. Amelia, Brian and Cody.
Brian can’t believe that a bully would join an anti-bullying club, but then again, Brian has a secret of his own. Each group must present their progress at the end of term right after the big race. Brian, Amelia and Pete come up with some strategies, while Cody remains disinterested.
The day of the big race comes, and Brian’s mum surprises him with new shoes and a signed permission slip. While Brian is on the race, he hears his sister Tara scream and when he rounds the corner he sees Cody, pulling on Tara’s pigtails.
Brian finally finds his courage. He puts a couple of the Stop The Bullying strategies into practice and calls Cody out on it. Brian takes Tara to the medical room to tend to her scrapes and he learns that Pete has won the big race.
At assembly when the Stop The Bullying Friday club’s turn comes around, Brian reveals that he used to be a bully at his old school. With the help from his counsellor, Brian had agreed to make a fresh start, until he started being bullied himself. Pete and Amelia help to outline the strategies that they have come up with and the whole school learns how to Stop The Bully.
I really enjoyed this story, as Ms Tyrrell drew me into Brian’s plight from the get go. The emotions that Brian goes through were right on par with what kids feel when they are bullied. Helpless, hopeless, with no end in sight.
I particularly liked how the author wove in the strategies to help stop the bullying, and that Amelia did not use her ability to defend herself by using violence against the bully, but to just stop the action while it was happening.
I think kids will really identify with Brian and his friends plight and the ways that they overcome the bullying are definitely strategies that every classroom should adopt.
An engaging and informative read that I believe will engage children ages 5-10.
Reviewed for Creative Kids Tales by Julie Anne Grasso.
June 2, 2014
STOP the Bully is an excellent resource for teachers to use when discussing bullying with their classes or for parents and children to read so they have a better understanding of what constitutes bullying and how to stop it. Any child who is being bullied will realise when they read the book that they are not alone and will find some advice on how to deal with bullies. What I really like about the book is that it is not just a 'how to' manual but a gripping, well written story that has you turning the pages to see what happens next. All primary and junior secondary teachers should read this book and share it with their students.
August 31, 2015
Eleven year old Brian is hiding something. His life is falling apart. Dad abandoned the family. Brian hates his new school. And now an aggressive bully attacks him every day. Can Brian STOP the Bully without revealing his secret?
STOP the Bully is a riveting junior novel to empower girls and boys with assertive solutions. The mystery reveals the bullying dilemma from all perspectives.
Download FREE teacher notes and FREE kids activities. www.karentyrrell.com
STOP the Bully is a riveting junior novel to empower girls and boys with assertive solutions. The mystery reveals the bullying dilemma from all perspectives.
Download FREE teacher notes and FREE kids activities. www.karentyrrell.com
May 30, 2014
Brian’s story helps children discover and embrace their own power, even when they find themselves in the role of the victim. Chock full of pro-active anti-bullying strategies and insight, Stop the Bully is a story of adventure, compassion, and hope. Karen’s books are a great resource for school counsellors, social workers, and teachers. I think it will be a great resource in my work as a School Counsellor & Life Skills Curriculum Creator.
June 1, 2014
At one time or another everyone has been bullied either at school, work, or home, even by the people who love us the most. What Karen Tyrrell has created with this story is clever strategies in a fictional story that takes me back to some situations I faced as a kid. Well done Karen Tyrrell, you are a master story teller. x Annie Clark.
June 2, 2014
Brian and his little sister Tara are starting at Wymore State School. He wasn’t looking forward to his first day and he felt responsible for Tara.
With chunky glasses and red curly hair he knew kids would label him geek. Miss Bliss is a first year teacher and she is battling to keep control of the class. She sits him next to Amelia with freckles. Things don’t start well when the class laughs when he doesn’t have his math workbook and asks for a pencil. The kid in the desk behind jerked back Amelia’s chair so she goes flying. Brian dives for Amelia, saving her but got hurt in the process. Why would the Bully do that?
It gets worse when his bag goes missing. It had his house key, and now he wonders how he and Tara can get in the house, if he can’t find it. His new hat has been thrown in the toilet and he has to throw it out. Knowing his mum can’t afford to get another one, and missing his dad, made it all so much worse. Brian really wants to go into the SUPER RACE, but his mum has to sign the permission note. They can’t afford new shoes, but he hopes she’ll sign it anyway.
Brian made a friend in Pete who helped him look for his bag. With help from another anonymous friend leaving him a note, they find his bag, but the key is missing. At the end of the day, he has money for the bus, once he finds his sister they can go home, but he still had no idea what they would do when they got home. Finally, when Tara appeared and he did get on the bus, the Bully gets on too.
His new friends, Amelia and Pete, show Brian how to be strong and stand up to the Bully. With the teachers support in a special project, they learn more about the Bully and can share with the results of their project with the whole school.
This book is aimed at kids who find themselves in situations they can’t handle, and gives ideas about how to fight back, how to STOP the BULLY.
With chunky glasses and red curly hair he knew kids would label him geek. Miss Bliss is a first year teacher and she is battling to keep control of the class. She sits him next to Amelia with freckles. Things don’t start well when the class laughs when he doesn’t have his math workbook and asks for a pencil. The kid in the desk behind jerked back Amelia’s chair so she goes flying. Brian dives for Amelia, saving her but got hurt in the process. Why would the Bully do that?
It gets worse when his bag goes missing. It had his house key, and now he wonders how he and Tara can get in the house, if he can’t find it. His new hat has been thrown in the toilet and he has to throw it out. Knowing his mum can’t afford to get another one, and missing his dad, made it all so much worse. Brian really wants to go into the SUPER RACE, but his mum has to sign the permission note. They can’t afford new shoes, but he hopes she’ll sign it anyway.
Brian made a friend in Pete who helped him look for his bag. With help from another anonymous friend leaving him a note, they find his bag, but the key is missing. At the end of the day, he has money for the bus, once he finds his sister they can go home, but he still had no idea what they would do when they got home. Finally, when Tara appeared and he did get on the bus, the Bully gets on too.
His new friends, Amelia and Pete, show Brian how to be strong and stand up to the Bully. With the teachers support in a special project, they learn more about the Bully and can share with the results of their project with the whole school.
This book is aimed at kids who find themselves in situations they can’t handle, and gives ideas about how to fight back, how to STOP the BULLY.
August 31, 2014
Karen and I are members of the Write Links Children's and Young Adult Writing Group. I won a copy of Stop the Bully recently and have enjoyed reading it.
Stop the Bully's characters are engaging and I couldn't help but like them because I hear many of their phrases and observe their reactions in my own children. Karen has realistically captured the voice and thoughts of older primary children. Stop the Bully weaves some great strategies for children dealing with a bullying situation through the story in a way that is accessible and not preachy.
I also admire the way Karen dealt with the bully in this story. He's not painted as a 'bad to the core' person, but rather as someone who may have issues of their own that need to be dealt with. This is a great starting point for discussion with children about the reasons why some people pick on others. Understanding the reason why bulling occurs is also empowering for children and may assist with strategies for dealing with bullies.
Ultimately, this story achieves it aim to create the belief in children that they can empower themselves and overcome difficult interpersonal situations. The strength of friendship, school and family support, also play an important role in Stop the Bully.
I recommend this book to parents and children who are dealing with bullying at school.
Stop the Bully's characters are engaging and I couldn't help but like them because I hear many of their phrases and observe their reactions in my own children. Karen has realistically captured the voice and thoughts of older primary children. Stop the Bully weaves some great strategies for children dealing with a bullying situation through the story in a way that is accessible and not preachy.
I also admire the way Karen dealt with the bully in this story. He's not painted as a 'bad to the core' person, but rather as someone who may have issues of their own that need to be dealt with. This is a great starting point for discussion with children about the reasons why some people pick on others. Understanding the reason why bulling occurs is also empowering for children and may assist with strategies for dealing with bullies.
Ultimately, this story achieves it aim to create the belief in children that they can empower themselves and overcome difficult interpersonal situations. The strength of friendship, school and family support, also play an important role in Stop the Bully.
I recommend this book to parents and children who are dealing with bullying at school.
June 11, 2014
"STOP the BULLY" by Karen Tyrrell is a page turner for young readers that should be able to relate in one way or another. This is a moving, compelling and realistic story. The author brings to light an important life issue. Not only children but touches us as a nation. I love that the author uses her life experience to inspire her readers. This is a great book for teachers to share in the classrooms and even families to read together. Such a good message about respect and compassion.
Brian’s story surely helps kids to know that they are not alone. This should be comforting and inspiring. At the same time this is an adventurous tale that is entertaining.
Miss Tyrrell is out making a difference. She has written several books all geared to help people. There should be more books like this and more people in the world doing good for others.
Quote~
“I flexed my muscles and pointed to a sign on the whiteboard, KID POWER. ‘Be a hero. If you see someone being bullied, step in and say something.’ I acted out a scene with me saving someone from a bully.”
Brian’s story surely helps kids to know that they are not alone. This should be comforting and inspiring. At the same time this is an adventurous tale that is entertaining.
Miss Tyrrell is out making a difference. She has written several books all geared to help people. There should be more books like this and more people in the world doing good for others.
Quote~
“I flexed my muscles and pointed to a sign on the whiteboard, KID POWER. ‘Be a hero. If you see someone being bullied, step in and say something.’ I acted out a scene with me saving someone from a bully.”
December 9, 2014
Brilliantly told… an eye opener: Is this a children’s story… a parent’s how-to perhaps? I was unsure what to expect with this book, but it captivated me immediately and held me spellbound throughout. I’m giving a full 5 stars because this is a brilliant story – could make it as a classic. It’s a wonderful read for children, and it shows us all the bullying experience through a child’s eyes. The tale itself is clever and highly impactful (had my lip quivering once or twice – the shoes). Expertly detailed and written. Click on the buy link.
July 5, 2014
Loved the book, and my children also thought it was great and could relate to the story. They found it easy to read and understood the message and related to the characters which helped get the message across.
As the President and Chairman of No Bull Australia I have not only recommended this book but also added the Karen's book to our resource page.
Well done Karen and thanks for sending me the book to review :)
Jamie
As the President and Chairman of No Bull Australia I have not only recommended this book but also added the Karen's book to our resource page.
Well done Karen and thanks for sending me the book to review :)
Jamie
September 8, 2015
When Brian Bennett and his sister Tara start at a new school they have the unfortunate experience of being singled out by the school bully. Thanks to new friends and support from teachers, Brian and his friends start a new group called ‘Stop the Bully’ and in an unexpected twist becomes friends with the bully after Brian reveals his own secret. Beau loved this book. When he was given the choice of reading this or Harry Potter he chose this book as he found it more entertaining.
May 31, 2014
The problem with bullying is you never know who is experiencing it and how. This book would be a great gift for anyone because while it teaches strategies for those being bullied it also raises awareness for those who are in the position to support those being bullied....ie everyone. Karen is also sensitive to those who are bullies. A great all round helpful resource. A+
June 5, 2014
‘Stop The Bully’ is a fast paced story that helps junior readers understand bullying from all aspects. Karen uses her experiences both as a teacher and a survivor of bullying herself to illustrate accessible ways to tackle bullying. This is an important and worthwhile resource that teaches resilience, respect and empathy.
May 14, 2016
This book was very well-written. It wasn't judgy about bullies – which most bully books are. Instead, it showed the bully as being as human as the victim is. The bully can also feel fear and hatred; anger and love; protectiveness and sadness.
And I loved the brilliant non-aggressive ways to stop a bully.
Good job, Karen!
And I loved the brilliant non-aggressive ways to stop a bully.
Good job, Karen!
June 8, 2015
Tyrrell once again provides a deft hand when it comes to dealing with mental health issues - this time with the problem of bullies. A nicely done tale with a twist I found the characters enjoyable as they come to terms with bullies and victims. Well done!
August 9, 2014
This was a fun book to read, took some surprising twist and turns too.
Easy to read and good book to read to your children to understand that bullying is unacceptable. Nice to see the good guy may just have an "interesting" past!
Easy to read and good book to read to your children to understand that bullying is unacceptable. Nice to see the good guy may just have an "interesting" past!
August 9, 2014
I loved this book by Karen Tyrrell. It will be a useful resource for primary schools to use in their anti-bullying programs. It is a fun read, yet deals with the unpleasant topic in an entertaining way.
August 15, 2014
The rating should actually 4.5, which is an average between my rating (5 stars) and my 12 yo daughter's rating (4 stars). I bought a copy for us and a copy for our primary school library..
September 3, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from the Author and after reading it myself passed it on to a teacher at my children's school as I thought the message behind it was one that would work perfectly with the anti-bully program. It provided lots of talking points for how kids would deal with different situations and a good twist at the end to really get the discussion going!
July 31, 2021
A great book to share with your kids
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews