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The Survival Guide to Bullying: Written by a Teen (Revised edition): Written by Teen
"One day I realized that I had to create a little, yet powerful survival guide that any kid could use as a life-saving device when they were being bullied in the gym, the cafeteria, the locker room, the hallways - anywhere. A guide that could help any kid dry their tears and put a half smile on their face. A guide that could convince a kid to come out of the bathroom stall that they have locked themselves in and see the flickering light at the end of the tunnel. A guide that could be a road map, a flashlight, or a friend." - The Survival Guide to Bullying.
Aija Mayrock, a 19-year-old girl, offers a fresh perspective on bullying. In her book, "The Survival Guide to Bullying" - written by a kid for a kid, Aija offers support, guidance, and direction to her reader.
Aija, herself was bullied in middle school and part of high school. She shares with her reader the different approaches and strategies that helped her survive and thrive. Aija writes about how to handle bullying, cyber bullying, dealing with fear, personal safety, and ultimately creating the life that you dream of having.
From inspiring Roems (rap/poems), Survival Tips, personal anecdotes and quick quizzes, this book is an easy guide to light the way to a brighter future for teenagers.
Aija handles the issue of bullying with great sensitivity and a fresh perspective. She speaks the same language as her peers, making the book very relatable for kids and teens.
Aija Mayrock, a 19-year-old girl, offers a fresh perspective on bullying. In her book, "The Survival Guide to Bullying" - written by a kid for a kid, Aija offers support, guidance, and direction to her reader.
Aija, herself was bullied in middle school and part of high school. She shares with her reader the different approaches and strategies that helped her survive and thrive. Aija writes about how to handle bullying, cyber bullying, dealing with fear, personal safety, and ultimately creating the life that you dream of having.
From inspiring Roems (rap/poems), Survival Tips, personal anecdotes and quick quizzes, this book is an easy guide to light the way to a brighter future for teenagers.
Aija handles the issue of bullying with great sensitivity and a fresh perspective. She speaks the same language as her peers, making the book very relatable for kids and teens.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published September 25, 2014
37 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Aija Mayrock
5 books73 followersAija Mayrock is a 19-year-old girl who experienced bullying firsthand. Instead of letting her experiences break her down, she channeled her positive energy into writing and self-publishing The Survival Guide to Bullying, where she shares the strategies that helped her survive and thrive. Aija writes about how to handle bullying, cyber bullying, dealing with fear, personal safety, and ultimately creating the life that you dream of having. Aija is also an accomplished screenwriter. Her film Diego received a Silver Key from Scholastic’s Art and Writing Awards.
Visit Aija online at www.aijamayrock.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagran.
Visit Aija online at www.aijamayrock.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagran.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 4, 2020
Amazing book... Review to come
Update:
I gave this ARC 5/5 stars
I will start with how I came across this book. On the second day of the BookExpo, I think I was waiting in line to get a book signed by Jennifer E. Smith for Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between, a girl behind me asked me if I was a blogger. I told her I was and helping out one of my favorite authors, Sophie Davis. I asked her if she was a blogger, and to my total surprise, she told me she was an author. I was so shocked, because she was in her late teens. As it turns out, it was Aija Mayrock, who wrote her debut novel, The Survival Guide to Bullying.
This topic is very near and dear to my heart, which I will explain shortly. She told me that her signing would be the next day, which I clearly would be going to. I ended up being the first person to her signing. She was kind enough to sign another copy to the elementary school that I worked in because bullying unfortunately can begin at a young age.
Now to my actual review.. hehe..
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I typically read fiction books, because non-fiction books always remind me too much of school. However, what interested me about this book was that it talked about the topic of bullying and the fact that it was written by a teen who had personal experience with bullying. This book is very unique due to this, because most books that are written about bullying are done by adults and researchers in the field.
I liked that Aija included information and research in the field, as well as personal experience with bullying. Intermittently, she included with she called "roems" or rap poems about her experiences. I for one, LOVED this. There were so many lines in each of her "roems" that I easily related to. I did not experience the same degree of bullying, but I did experience and feel the pain loneliness and isolation that came about during the time I was in school.
Even though it has been at least 10 years since I was in high school, reading this book brought about feelings of what I experienced and long forgotten about. I am okay with this because it takes so much strength to get through being bullied. Aija says in one of her "roems" "I had to suffer to realize that I am tougher than I thought I was". Of course feeling lonely and isolated for so long isn't on mine or anyone's top priorities, but I feel as though without suffering in some way, you may not realize what you are truly made of.
Aija gives such amazing and incredible advice throughout this book and can reach out to young people who are currently experiencing bullying or anyone who have had previous experience with bullying. I would highly recommend this book to teens, adults, parents, teachers, librarians... and pretty much anyone. I would also recommend this book to those with and without personal experience with bullying because both sides can learn so much that you may not have realized in the first place. Please be sure to get this book, which comes out June 30, 2015.
To me, I think this video is a reflection of what it feels like to be isolated. Its Numb by Linkin Park. I had personal experience during the 1:41 part when the main girl in the video goes to sit with the other girls at lunch and they all get up. I do not wish that onto anyone, and I hope that my readers and fellow bloggers don't choose to make someone feel this way
Update:
I gave this ARC 5/5 stars
I will start with how I came across this book. On the second day of the BookExpo, I think I was waiting in line to get a book signed by Jennifer E. Smith for Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between, a girl behind me asked me if I was a blogger. I told her I was and helping out one of my favorite authors, Sophie Davis. I asked her if she was a blogger, and to my total surprise, she told me she was an author. I was so shocked, because she was in her late teens. As it turns out, it was Aija Mayrock, who wrote her debut novel, The Survival Guide to Bullying.
This topic is very near and dear to my heart, which I will explain shortly. She told me that her signing would be the next day, which I clearly would be going to. I ended up being the first person to her signing. She was kind enough to sign another copy to the elementary school that I worked in because bullying unfortunately can begin at a young age.
Now to my actual review.. hehe..
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I typically read fiction books, because non-fiction books always remind me too much of school. However, what interested me about this book was that it talked about the topic of bullying and the fact that it was written by a teen who had personal experience with bullying. This book is very unique due to this, because most books that are written about bullying are done by adults and researchers in the field.
I liked that Aija included information and research in the field, as well as personal experience with bullying. Intermittently, she included with she called "roems" or rap poems about her experiences. I for one, LOVED this. There were so many lines in each of her "roems" that I easily related to. I did not experience the same degree of bullying, but I did experience and feel the pain loneliness and isolation that came about during the time I was in school.
Even though it has been at least 10 years since I was in high school, reading this book brought about feelings of what I experienced and long forgotten about. I am okay with this because it takes so much strength to get through being bullied. Aija says in one of her "roems" "I had to suffer to realize that I am tougher than I thought I was". Of course feeling lonely and isolated for so long isn't on mine or anyone's top priorities, but I feel as though without suffering in some way, you may not realize what you are truly made of.
Aija gives such amazing and incredible advice throughout this book and can reach out to young people who are currently experiencing bullying or anyone who have had previous experience with bullying. I would highly recommend this book to teens, adults, parents, teachers, librarians... and pretty much anyone. I would also recommend this book to those with and without personal experience with bullying because both sides can learn so much that you may not have realized in the first place. Please be sure to get this book, which comes out June 30, 2015.
To me, I think this video is a reflection of what it feels like to be isolated. Its Numb by Linkin Park. I had personal experience during the 1:41 part when the main girl in the video goes to sit with the other girls at lunch and they all get up. I do not wish that onto anyone, and I hope that my readers and fellow bloggers don't choose to make someone feel this way
Read
May 13, 2021When I first heard about this book, I was intrigued. What in the world could this book give to me, as a teen, that would supposedly help me against bullies? So I checked it out from my library and read it within two hours. It's an incredibly short book, but I feel that it fell flat.
Yes, there are techniques in this book that could be considered helpful, but everything in this book has already been taught to me in school. Things were different in 2014 and the school system I am growing up in is very different than Aija's, so I can't really fault that.
One of the things that irked me the most was she continually used "he or she" in sentences, when nonbinary people exist and part of a large percentage of those who are bullied. There's also a list of why kids are bullied and the problem that I had with it would be solved if gender inclusive language was used.
This is not all of the things on the list, but these are the ones that stood out. I know I'm probably reading too deep into this and this wasn't malicious at all, but those who aren't girls can be bullied for their clothing, people who aren't boys can be angry a lot, not just girls are gay, and not just boys are trans. Aija could have not used he/she pronouns. She could have spoken directly to the reader and use "you". Clothes you wear, country you are from, religion you observe, etc. Or even better, don't use pronouns at all.
I wasn't the biggest fan of the formatting with the blue marker lines all over the place and whatnot, but if that's what gets the message across, who am I to stop it.
Statistics could have been used to alert people that it isn't normal and they aren't alone. An explanation of the different hotlines and websites would've been nice as well.
In conclusion, this is mostly targetted towards elementary and middle schoolers who are bullied and stumbled upon this book. There wasn't enough new information about how to fight bullying for me to enjoy it. The Survival Guide to Bullying: Written by a Kid for a Kid isn't a groundbreaking novel, there are many books like this and there will be in the future. I found it flat and surface level, but if you are experiencing bullying don't be afraid to ask for help.
Yes, there are techniques in this book that could be considered helpful, but everything in this book has already been taught to me in school. Things were different in 2014 and the school system I am growing up in is very different than Aija's, so I can't really fault that.
One of the things that irked me the most was she continually used "he or she" in sentences, when nonbinary people exist and part of a large percentage of those who are bullied. There's also a list of why kids are bullied and the problem that I had with it would be solved if gender inclusive language was used.
Where he lives
Clothes she wears
Country he's from
Religion she observes
She's in special education
He gets angry a lot
She's gay
He's trans
Way he walks
This is not all of the things on the list, but these are the ones that stood out. I know I'm probably reading too deep into this and this wasn't malicious at all, but those who aren't girls can be bullied for their clothing, people who aren't boys can be angry a lot, not just girls are gay, and not just boys are trans. Aija could have not used he/she pronouns. She could have spoken directly to the reader and use "you". Clothes you wear, country you are from, religion you observe, etc. Or even better, don't use pronouns at all.
Reasons Why Kids are Bullied:
Clothing
Country of Origin
Religion
Having special needs
Anger issues
Being LGBTQIA+
Etc
I wasn't the biggest fan of the formatting with the blue marker lines all over the place and whatnot, but if that's what gets the message across, who am I to stop it.
Statistics could have been used to alert people that it isn't normal and they aren't alone. An explanation of the different hotlines and websites would've been nice as well.
In conclusion, this is mostly targetted towards elementary and middle schoolers who are bullied and stumbled upon this book. There wasn't enough new information about how to fight bullying for me to enjoy it. The Survival Guide to Bullying: Written by a Kid for a Kid isn't a groundbreaking novel, there are many books like this and there will be in the future. I found it flat and surface level, but if you are experiencing bullying don't be afraid to ask for help.
xx-dnf-skim-reference
October 11, 2025I checked out the paperback because I was curious. It looks absolutely wonderful. And some of the advice will even help people (not just kids) facing other challenges. For example there's a long list of activities that you can do instead of stew or hide in fear. The poetry is pretty cool, too.
She mentions that she's gotten messages from adults that it's helped them get over emotional scars from when they were bullied, too.
October 2025
She mentions that she's gotten messages from adults that it's helped them get over emotional scars from when they were bullied, too.
October 2025
July 24, 2015
Bullied during middle school and high school, Aija Mayrock decided to write a book to help others who may be suffering as well. The Survival Guide to Bullying: Written by a Teen is her small book with the potential for a big impact on its readers.
Drawing on her own experience and including advice from experts, Mayrock has created a guide that can be read straight through, or readers can choose the chapters that may be most relevant to them at the moment and start there. It’s easy to go back over any section for rereading as well.
Mayrock asks teens to answer questions that can help them assess the severity of the bullying they experience, and she offers suggestions on where they can find help. While her story inspired her to write the book, few details of her own experience are included, which helps anyone to see their own situations in what she describes.Also, Mayrock opens each chapter with a “roem,” a phrase she coined to describe the rap poems she wrote about her feelings of being bullied and finding strength to get through it.
The Survival Guide to Bullying has universal appeal, and it can help anyone see their own experience in its pages. It should be helpful for those being bullied as well as for those who seek to support them.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Drawing on her own experience and including advice from experts, Mayrock has created a guide that can be read straight through, or readers can choose the chapters that may be most relevant to them at the moment and start there. It’s easy to go back over any section for rereading as well.
Mayrock asks teens to answer questions that can help them assess the severity of the bullying they experience, and she offers suggestions on where they can find help. While her story inspired her to write the book, few details of her own experience are included, which helps anyone to see their own situations in what she describes.Also, Mayrock opens each chapter with a “roem,” a phrase she coined to describe the rap poems she wrote about her feelings of being bullied and finding strength to get through it.
The Survival Guide to Bullying has universal appeal, and it can help anyone see their own experience in its pages. It should be helpful for those being bullied as well as for those who seek to support them.
The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 30, 2015
NO.
A guide to surviving bullying that doesn't talk about the statistics on kids being bullied for their sexuality or gender identity is not complete. A guide to surviving bullying that lists the Trevor Lifeline in the back WITH NO INFORMATION ON WHAT IT IS is almost useless. Why are you not alerting LGBTQIA+ kids who need help which resources are targeted for them?
Also each chapter (and the book) begins with a poem. A really really terrible poem. Oh, no, sorry, a "roem." Which this pretty straight white girl "invented" because clearly no one clued her into slam poetry and the history of "rap poetry" and spoken word and the queer and/or POC communities who have been doing it for many decades.
I can definitely see the value in a guide to surviving bullying, aimed at elementary and middle school kids (because honestly no high schooler is going to pick this up) that is written by a teen who survived bullying. You automatically have more authority than some adult on the situation, what kids are going through, how to get through.
This book is NOT that book. Don't bother buying it.
A guide to surviving bullying that doesn't talk about the statistics on kids being bullied for their sexuality or gender identity is not complete. A guide to surviving bullying that lists the Trevor Lifeline in the back WITH NO INFORMATION ON WHAT IT IS is almost useless. Why are you not alerting LGBTQIA+ kids who need help which resources are targeted for them?
Also each chapter (and the book) begins with a poem. A really really terrible poem. Oh, no, sorry, a "roem." Which this pretty straight white girl "invented" because clearly no one clued her into slam poetry and the history of "rap poetry" and spoken word and the queer and/or POC communities who have been doing it for many decades.
I can definitely see the value in a guide to surviving bullying, aimed at elementary and middle school kids (because honestly no high schooler is going to pick this up) that is written by a teen who survived bullying. You automatically have more authority than some adult on the situation, what kids are going through, how to get through.
This book is NOT that book. Don't bother buying it.
March 16, 2016
I read this for a conference review.... Author has writing talent as evidenced in her "roems"--rap poems--which open each short chapter in this short book. Positive message, encouragement to speak to parents-adults... No inclusion of faith as a method of growth, or any legal ramifications/ protections especially in area of cyber bullying. This little book could help teens to feel not so alone.
September 18, 2015
Not a book I would normally pick out, and I hated her rapping poem at the beginning of each chapter. This book is amazing for kids that are going through a rough time in life. It gives real life scenarios and step by step instructions on how to deal with real life situations. It was such a postitive, try this, okay that didn't work try this type of book that I was really drawn in.
January 29, 2015
Има добри попадения, но е твърде американска.
Авторката е мега чаровна, но се усеща някакъв бесен реваншизъм у нея - едва на 19, тъкмо излязла от гимназията и явно отмъщава на хората, които са я тормозили.
Авторката е мега чаровна, но се усеща някакъв бесен реваншизъм у нея - едва на 19, тъкмо излязла от гимназията и явно отмъщава на хората, които са я тормозили.
December 16, 2021
Jest to chyba pierwsza książka poruszająca problem dręczenia napisana od dziecka dla innych dzieci. Aija pisząc książkę miała od 16 do 19 lat. Napisała ją nie tylko w oparciu o własne doświadczenia i porady swoich rodziców. Rozmawiała także ze specjalistami. Fachowe podejście do tematu oraz jej własny, dziecięcy głos w sprawie tworzą unikalną pozycję, idealną dla dręczonych uczniów, szczególnie w szkołach podstawowych (w moim odczuciu książka nadaje się dla dzieci w wieku 9+). Opowieść Aiji przejęła mnie do głębi, przede wszystkim dlatego, że nikt nie powinien w tak młodym wieku doświadczać tak okropnego traktowania.
Nie jest to już część recenzji, ale moja własna refleksja - warto zastanowić się nad edukacją domową, w wypadku sytuacja jest tak poważna, że zastanawiasz się nad zakupem tej książki dla Twojego dziecka. Szkoda, że w jej treści zabrakło informacji o takiej alternatywie - wszak jeśli w szkole jest naprawdę źle, to wcale nie trzeba do niej chodzić. Skoro w otoczeniu brakuje osób serdecznych, element rzekomej socjalizacji w szkole należy sobie wsadzić do kieszeni... Ludzi można poznać wszędzie, nie musi to być szkoła.
Jest mi trudno sobie wyobrazić, że moje dziecko będzie kiedyś musiało stawić czoła temu, co spotykało mnie. Tak, ja też byłam dręczona. To jeden z powodów, dla których miałam ochotę przeczytać tę książkę. Doświadczenie gnębienia może zbudować człowieka, co udowadnia nam w jednym z rozdziałów Aija, ale może też go zniszczyć. Jeśli można dziecko uchronić przed destruktywnym otoczeniem, to należy to za wszelką cenę zrobić, takimi środkami, jakie mamy w zanadrzu. Łącznie z przeniesieniem do innej szkoły lub czasową albo permanentną rezygnacją z uczęszczania do placówki.
Oczywiście zdaję sobie sprawę, że nie każdy ma możliwość dziecko przenieść czy praktykować z nim edukację domową, ale jeśli jest szansa - warto ją rozważyć...
Nie jest to już część recenzji, ale moja własna refleksja - warto zastanowić się nad edukacją domową, w wypadku sytuacja jest tak poważna, że zastanawiasz się nad zakupem tej książki dla Twojego dziecka. Szkoda, że w jej treści zabrakło informacji o takiej alternatywie - wszak jeśli w szkole jest naprawdę źle, to wcale nie trzeba do niej chodzić. Skoro w otoczeniu brakuje osób serdecznych, element rzekomej socjalizacji w szkole należy sobie wsadzić do kieszeni... Ludzi można poznać wszędzie, nie musi to być szkoła.
Jest mi trudno sobie wyobrazić, że moje dziecko będzie kiedyś musiało stawić czoła temu, co spotykało mnie. Tak, ja też byłam dręczona. To jeden z powodów, dla których miałam ochotę przeczytać tę książkę. Doświadczenie gnębienia może zbudować człowieka, co udowadnia nam w jednym z rozdziałów Aija, ale może też go zniszczyć. Jeśli można dziecko uchronić przed destruktywnym otoczeniem, to należy to za wszelką cenę zrobić, takimi środkami, jakie mamy w zanadrzu. Łącznie z przeniesieniem do innej szkoły lub czasową albo permanentną rezygnacją z uczęszczania do placówki.
Oczywiście zdaję sobie sprawę, że nie każdy ma możliwość dziecko przenieść czy praktykować z nim edukację domową, ale jeśli jest szansa - warto ją rozważyć...
March 7, 2023
Clearly, I’m not the target audience, but I found this book to be incredibly simplistic. That it only vaguely mentions 2SLGBTQIA and race as potential factors in passing once or twice frustrated me. Also, those aren’t roems, they are slam poetry. I have no idea if this book would feel comforting to a bullied middle grader or not, but I read it in preparation for a school Parent Council meeting that I anticipate will covering bullying, and there are some huge issues within our elementary school right now that need to be addressed. From that context, this wasn’t really very helpful.
April 2, 2022
It's amazing. An empowering book for kids being bullied. It's short, but with a lot of great ideas that kids can use to battle out their bully. I love the writing style - especially those rap poems because they give meaning to people, and can be a great resource for when you feel down. I was pleasantly surprised because each chapter was definable and had a clear, consistent flow that children ages 10-18 can follow with and relate to.
August 12, 2022
I'm an old guy who used to work with many bullied kids. This is a simple, well-written book with some honest answers for what to do about being harassed and isolated when you're a teen. It misses some of the important points about this vital topic, but it's an absolutely excellent place to start to take control of what is often a scary and sad time in a person's life. Highly recommended even though I only gave it 3 stars.
January 30, 2020
Very slowly working on listening to this one. I don't think I will be able to give this one a star rating, as I am not really the targeted audience, but I was drawn to this book written by a teenager on the subject. I am finding the poetry somewhat interesting, but nothing else.
The latter part of the book was much better than the introduction and early chapters. The step by step suggestions and ideas of what to try are good. Practical, mostly realistic advice for teens and possibly pre-teens.
The latter part of the book was much better than the introduction and early chapters. The step by step suggestions and ideas of what to try are good. Practical, mostly realistic advice for teens and possibly pre-teens.
December 10, 2020
Written by a teenager from her first hand experiences is school this is a hopeful book for those who are being bullied, and will be interesting to youth and adults also, especially parents of school children. The author sprinkles her book with rap poems about her life, and they enhance the book also. A good introduction to bullying for those who are new to the problem.
June 16, 2017
This was a really good book. The information was very well written for a young author. I would recommend this book to anyone. It made me think about a lot of things in my own childhood. I wish there was a book like this when I was growing up.
June 19, 2018
A great book for kids written by a kid who endured years of bullying. I read this because my child is already experiencing some mean girl behavior. It is heartbreaking that this behavior starts at seven. I’m glad this book exists.
September 6, 2018
I'm not the target audience for this book. But it's a great resource for anyone suffering from bullying or feeling left out. I love Aija's roems, that's why I picked up this book, and she didn't disappoint me! Can't wait to read more from Aija!
December 12, 2024
I LOVED this book! While the book is geared to school-age children, many of the concepts work great for adults as well. People can be bullied whatever age they are. And in almost any situation. How thankful we are for those who see the bullying and actively try to stop it. Highly recommended.
March 6, 2019
I didn't like it.
Read
April 29, 2020Excellent book for anyone of all ages
This young lady is extraordinary
Her poetry heartfelt and beautiful
Buy this book for everyone
This young lady is extraordinary
Her poetry heartfelt and beautiful
Buy this book for everyone
January 9, 2024
Mega fajnie wszystko opisane. Super, że autorka ma doświadczenie (sama była gnębiona) i opisuje własne doświadczenia. Cieszę się, że miałam okazję to przeczytać
February 19, 2026
I adored the beginning of "by a kid, for kids" I thought it was well written for adults and kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2016
quick easy read that sent a real inspiring message. I love that the author wrote from personal experience. It really effected me on a personal level.
July 19, 2018
На русском языке эта книга имеет название - «Почему я? История белой вороны». Не совсем понимаю, почему перевели именно так, ибо на английском оно звучит: “The Survival Guide to Bullying: Written by a kid for a kid” и полностью его оправдывает, когда наш перевод уводит суть книги в иное русло. Сразу вспоминаю слёзы Боромира и их художественные переводы, ну да ладно.
Как ясно из английского названия, данная книга - это гид по выживанию для подростков, которые стали мишенью для травли в школе. Именно гид со всеми ответами на вопросы, что делать, куда идти, с кем говорить. Несмотря на то, что написана книга девушкой-подростком, она [книга] написана действительно хорошо и заслуживает внимания. Особенно тех, кто в этом нуждается.
Сама я травле не подвергалась, но порой «белой вороной» себя очень даже ощущала. Жаль, у меня не было этой книги тогда, в те моменты. Возможно, моя неуверенность в себе не достигла бы таких масштабов. Айджа не только помогает составить план действий, но и поддерживает тебя морально, постоянно говорит о твоей уникальности. В моей ситуации именно это было нужно.
В общем, кого касается, рекомендую!
P.S. Айдже помимо всего прочего помогал выживать рэп. И она сама стала писать речитативы. Парочка мне прямо в сердце попали. Респект и уважуха девушке!
Как ясно из английского названия, данная книга - это гид по выживанию для подростков, которые стали мишенью для травли в школе. Именно гид со всеми ответами на вопросы, что делать, куда идти, с кем говорить. Несмотря на то, что написана книга девушкой-подростком, она [книга] написана действительно хорошо и заслуживает внимания. Особенно тех, кто в этом нуждается.
Сама я травле не подвергалась, но порой «белой вороной» себя очень даже ощущала. Жаль, у меня не было этой книги тогда, в те моменты. Возможно, моя неуверенность в себе не достигла бы таких масштабов. Айджа не только помогает составить план действий, но и поддерживает тебя морально, постоянно говорит о твоей уникальности. В моей ситуации именно это было нужно.
В общем, кого касается, рекомендую!
P.S. Айдже помимо всего прочего помогал выживать рэп. И она сама стала писать речитативы. Парочка мне прямо в сердце попали. Респект и уважуха девушке!
April 1, 2016
Je remercie les éditions Hachette pour ce petit livre très plaisant à lire. Le harcèlement moral, on en entend parler à toutes les sauces et personne n’est à l’abri d’en souffrir durant sa scolarité. J’ai trouvé l’initiative très intéressante, car… qui mieux qu’un ado pour parler de ce problème aux adolescents du monde entier ?
Aija Mayrock, l’auteur, a été la victime de harcèlement scolaire durant des années. Elle a subi les brimades et les railleries, ces années-là ont été particulièrement sombres et pénibles. La jeune fille n’a trouvé du réconfort que dans l’écriture. Coucher ses malheurs et ses espoirs sur papier l’a aidé à sortir la tête de l’eau. Aujourd’hui sereine et plus forte, elle s’est entourée de professionnels afin de concocter ce témoignage et d’ainsi, venir en aide aux victimes de harcèlement qui ne savent pas comment s’en échapper.
Déjà, petit mot sur l’objet-livre que je trouve très réussi. L’intérieur est bourré de petites annotations, de dessins, de mots écrits à la main. Ça donne un côté intime qui mettra tout de suite le lecteur en confiance.
Commencer ce livre c'est comme entrer dans un cocon bien chaud, chaleureux, protecteur. Aija a une écriture douce et caressante, qui effleure le cœur de ses lecteurs sans les braquer. Elle s'adresse directement à celui qui la lit, créant ainsi un climat de confiance qui met tout de suite à l'aise. Ce vis à vis à quelque chose d'intime, où les tabous n'existent pas, où on peut tout dire, tout penser, tout hurler. Cette proximité donnera à l'adolescent la sensation d'être compris et surtout entouré. Non, il n'est pas le seul à être harcelé. Non, rien ne cloche chez lui.
Sous forme de poèmes (de « roèmes »), de tests et de récits, l'auteur nous dépeint la descente aux enfers qu'elle a connu, la persécution et les moqueries, l'incompréhension et la sensation d’oppression.
N’ayant pas subi ces sévices dans mon enfance, il m’est difficile de me sentir concernée par le fond, même si je trouve qu’Aija s’y prend d’une remarquable manière. Le temps de 176 pages, elle devient le coach du lecteur et dispense ses conseils pour se sortir de la jungle scolaire. Elle lui apprend à mettre des mots sur ce qu’il ressent, à rebondir ; elle lui montre qu’il n’est pas seul et qu’une oreille attentive sera toujours là pour l’entendre.
En résumé, ce petit livre est la meilleure arme dont peut se munir un enfant ou un adolescent souffrant de harcèlement scolaire. Avec une douceur qui n’appartient qu’à elle, Aija Mayrock conte sa propre expérience et accompagne son lecteur dans ce processus compliqué.
Ma chronique : http://april-the-seven.weebly.com/dra...
Aija Mayrock, l’auteur, a été la victime de harcèlement scolaire durant des années. Elle a subi les brimades et les railleries, ces années-là ont été particulièrement sombres et pénibles. La jeune fille n’a trouvé du réconfort que dans l’écriture. Coucher ses malheurs et ses espoirs sur papier l’a aidé à sortir la tête de l’eau. Aujourd’hui sereine et plus forte, elle s’est entourée de professionnels afin de concocter ce témoignage et d’ainsi, venir en aide aux victimes de harcèlement qui ne savent pas comment s’en échapper.
Déjà, petit mot sur l’objet-livre que je trouve très réussi. L’intérieur est bourré de petites annotations, de dessins, de mots écrits à la main. Ça donne un côté intime qui mettra tout de suite le lecteur en confiance.
Commencer ce livre c'est comme entrer dans un cocon bien chaud, chaleureux, protecteur. Aija a une écriture douce et caressante, qui effleure le cœur de ses lecteurs sans les braquer. Elle s'adresse directement à celui qui la lit, créant ainsi un climat de confiance qui met tout de suite à l'aise. Ce vis à vis à quelque chose d'intime, où les tabous n'existent pas, où on peut tout dire, tout penser, tout hurler. Cette proximité donnera à l'adolescent la sensation d'être compris et surtout entouré. Non, il n'est pas le seul à être harcelé. Non, rien ne cloche chez lui.
Sous forme de poèmes (de « roèmes »), de tests et de récits, l'auteur nous dépeint la descente aux enfers qu'elle a connu, la persécution et les moqueries, l'incompréhension et la sensation d’oppression.
N’ayant pas subi ces sévices dans mon enfance, il m’est difficile de me sentir concernée par le fond, même si je trouve qu’Aija s’y prend d’une remarquable manière. Le temps de 176 pages, elle devient le coach du lecteur et dispense ses conseils pour se sortir de la jungle scolaire. Elle lui apprend à mettre des mots sur ce qu’il ressent, à rebondir ; elle lui montre qu’il n’est pas seul et qu’une oreille attentive sera toujours là pour l’entendre.
En résumé, ce petit livre est la meilleure arme dont peut se munir un enfant ou un adolescent souffrant de harcèlement scolaire. Avec une douceur qui n’appartient qu’à elle, Aija Mayrock conte sa propre expérience et accompagne son lecteur dans ce processus compliqué.
Ma chronique : http://april-the-seven.weebly.com/dra...
November 12, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's designed, as the title suggests, as a survival guide for kids who are being bullied, but there are so many different layers, I think that it could really benefit anyone, at any age.
Aija's story is both sad and inspirational. She doesn't give too many details about her own personal experience with bullying; just enough for you to know that this girl knows what she's talking about, and for you to understand that, if you're being bullied, you're not alone.
Much of this book contains practical advice to how to handle being bullied at school. And of course, it's American-centric. In the rest of the world, we're the bit different, in the sense that we don't have "hallways" or "lunch rooms" per se (since our school premises are mostly outdoors, with only individual class rooms and administration offices being indoors), and we wear school uniforms. This mitigates some of the things that an American kid might be bullied for, but also adds a few other things that they don't have to worry about.
Speaking of which, I really enjoyed the list of things that you may be bullied for (spoiler alert: it's literally endless). There is absolutely no way you can predict what kind of things about yourself would make a bully target you, which means that there is absolutely nothing you can do or not do to stop from being targeted by bullies. You would think that this news would be depressing, but it's not. It lets us know that we're not alone, and millions of people around the world suffer from the same things we do.
I'm an adult, but I was bullied as a kid, and I can identify with a lot of what Ms Mayrock talks about in this book. I also really enjoyed the chapter of Cyber Bullying, because that's something that can affect you no matter how old you are or where you are in life. Then, the final chapter, about the benefits of bullying, I can also really identify with. I fully understand that what I went through in school has shaped who I am today, and I would be a completely different person, were it not for those experiences.
The author is a very wise young lady, and I think her message is a truly powerful one. I'm going to be recommending this book to kids I meet, or even parents I meet, of kids who are suffering from bullying. I honestly think it could be a huge help to them.
I enjoyed Aija's "Roems" and little inspirational messages as well. The only issue I have is that they're a bit weird in an ebook, because they're handwritten pages, inserted into the book as images. It makes them rather difficult to read on small screens - but on my 10.1" tablet, I didn't have too many problems.
Aija's story is both sad and inspirational. She doesn't give too many details about her own personal experience with bullying; just enough for you to know that this girl knows what she's talking about, and for you to understand that, if you're being bullied, you're not alone.
Much of this book contains practical advice to how to handle being bullied at school. And of course, it's American-centric. In the rest of the world, we're the bit different, in the sense that we don't have "hallways" or "lunch rooms" per se (since our school premises are mostly outdoors, with only individual class rooms and administration offices being indoors), and we wear school uniforms. This mitigates some of the things that an American kid might be bullied for, but also adds a few other things that they don't have to worry about.
Speaking of which, I really enjoyed the list of things that you may be bullied for (spoiler alert: it's literally endless). There is absolutely no way you can predict what kind of things about yourself would make a bully target you, which means that there is absolutely nothing you can do or not do to stop from being targeted by bullies. You would think that this news would be depressing, but it's not. It lets us know that we're not alone, and millions of people around the world suffer from the same things we do.
I'm an adult, but I was bullied as a kid, and I can identify with a lot of what Ms Mayrock talks about in this book. I also really enjoyed the chapter of Cyber Bullying, because that's something that can affect you no matter how old you are or where you are in life. Then, the final chapter, about the benefits of bullying, I can also really identify with. I fully understand that what I went through in school has shaped who I am today, and I would be a completely different person, were it not for those experiences.
The author is a very wise young lady, and I think her message is a truly powerful one. I'm going to be recommending this book to kids I meet, or even parents I meet, of kids who are suffering from bullying. I honestly think it could be a huge help to them.
I enjoyed Aija's "Roems" and little inspirational messages as well. The only issue I have is that they're a bit weird in an ebook, because they're handwritten pages, inserted into the book as images. It makes them rather difficult to read on small screens - but on my 10.1" tablet, I didn't have too many problems.
March 24, 2016
Review originally posted on Children's Atheneum
Bullying is a popular topic in children's books these days, both non-fiction and fiction. Perhaps it is because the idea of bullying is so universal. Even the bullies usually have their own torments and tormentors. My own bullies were those in my neighborhood, kids who thought my family was weird for whatever reasons (some more legit than others). Besides sibling spats, I have only been hit by two people in my life, both kids who lived a few houses down from me. By thirteen I retreated indoors, safe from my tormentors as long as I stayed inside and read my books. Thankfully, being homeschooled also saved me from having to attend the same school as my bullies, a blessing that didn't quite hit home until I read this book.
Aiya Mayrock is a teenager writing for kids. Her advice is sound, although often felt vague and simplistic. Tell a parent or teacher sounds great in theory, but what if your parent thinks you are just being a wuss? What if your principal or teachers won't listen? What if you secretly like the attention because it is the only social interaction you get in your day? In the documentary Bully, that is basically the existence for the main "character" who struggles with extreme bullying every day of his life. In fact, if the makers of the documentary had not stepped forward and shown their footage to the adults in this boy's life, things could have gotten much much worse. I was able to escape my bullies, and Aiya did too once her family moves, but there are so many kids who don't have that option.
All that said, I think this was well done. It is short and to the point with helpful ideas and pointers. The rap poems or "roems" that open each chapter are heartfelt although not terribly inspired. I suspect that this will improve with time as most art forms do. Reading this book brought back a lot of old thoughts and feelings and some pain. I admit I still hold some bitterness towards those people and wonder if they are now mean adults or did they learn the error of their ways? For kids going through this, I think this is a valuable resource and for some, it will be a game changer. Sometimes kids just need to shown solutions. Others need to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Mayrock does both of these things. She doesn't promise a world free of pain, but she does show a life in which a person is no longer ruled by their bullies. Sometimes that is enough.
Bullying is a popular topic in children's books these days, both non-fiction and fiction. Perhaps it is because the idea of bullying is so universal. Even the bullies usually have their own torments and tormentors. My own bullies were those in my neighborhood, kids who thought my family was weird for whatever reasons (some more legit than others). Besides sibling spats, I have only been hit by two people in my life, both kids who lived a few houses down from me. By thirteen I retreated indoors, safe from my tormentors as long as I stayed inside and read my books. Thankfully, being homeschooled also saved me from having to attend the same school as my bullies, a blessing that didn't quite hit home until I read this book.
Aiya Mayrock is a teenager writing for kids. Her advice is sound, although often felt vague and simplistic. Tell a parent or teacher sounds great in theory, but what if your parent thinks you are just being a wuss? What if your principal or teachers won't listen? What if you secretly like the attention because it is the only social interaction you get in your day? In the documentary Bully, that is basically the existence for the main "character" who struggles with extreme bullying every day of his life. In fact, if the makers of the documentary had not stepped forward and shown their footage to the adults in this boy's life, things could have gotten much much worse. I was able to escape my bullies, and Aiya did too once her family moves, but there are so many kids who don't have that option.
All that said, I think this was well done. It is short and to the point with helpful ideas and pointers. The rap poems or "roems" that open each chapter are heartfelt although not terribly inspired. I suspect that this will improve with time as most art forms do. Reading this book brought back a lot of old thoughts and feelings and some pain. I admit I still hold some bitterness towards those people and wonder if they are now mean adults or did they learn the error of their ways? For kids going through this, I think this is a valuable resource and for some, it will be a game changer. Sometimes kids just need to shown solutions. Others need to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Mayrock does both of these things. She doesn't promise a world free of pain, but she does show a life in which a person is no longer ruled by their bullies. Sometimes that is enough.
October 10, 2015
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Thankfully, I've never been bullied. Thankfully, I've found this book by the inspirational Aija Mayrock. I'm thankful for a lot of things that this book gave me and other readers, and as I'm writing this review, it's Thanksgiving which also leads us in this awesome grateful, thankful spirit of the year. The Survival Guide to Bullying is witty, interesting and captivating. It teaches you how to find yourself with adorable roems (Aija's version of raps and poems that she personally wrote herself) as well as quizzes, step-by-step tutorials and her personal experiences. It's rare to find out about someone's inner experience of bullying since it sometimes is so tragic, but I believe that we should all be thankful for this book.
Although it is written by an amazing teen, this book is for everyone. It could be for someone who had dealt with bullying in the past and would like to read about what they should've done when things were happening and changing their lives, it could be for kids or for teens. There's something in this beautiful guide that's for everyone, even if you're just curious about the writing and what to do kind of thing that I'm here for. It's such a remarkable, interesting guide.
In case you haven't noticed already from what I told you about this book, Aija is a fabulous writer, you could seriously tell. From this guide/novel, you'll discover her true personality and see why she's an amazing person and author. She puts all of herself into this novel and isn't just here to tell her story, she's here to help others. She's motivational and I'd definitely eventually like to see fiction being written by her, because her attitude is positive and different. More people need to discover this story.
The Survival Guide to Bullying may not exactly help you, but it's definitely there for you to help others. Being a bystander is horrible, and this guide is motivational and inspiring, as well as interesting. We don't usually get to read about a first-hand experience of young people getting bullied except in fiction, but that's plain fiction. This is non-fiction and like a memoir with so much more. Aija's story is here, waiting for you to pick it up and recommend it to everyone you know, young or old. Woo!
Thankfully, I've never been bullied. Thankfully, I've found this book by the inspirational Aija Mayrock. I'm thankful for a lot of things that this book gave me and other readers, and as I'm writing this review, it's Thanksgiving which also leads us in this awesome grateful, thankful spirit of the year. The Survival Guide to Bullying is witty, interesting and captivating. It teaches you how to find yourself with adorable roems (Aija's version of raps and poems that she personally wrote herself) as well as quizzes, step-by-step tutorials and her personal experiences. It's rare to find out about someone's inner experience of bullying since it sometimes is so tragic, but I believe that we should all be thankful for this book.
Although it is written by an amazing teen, this book is for everyone. It could be for someone who had dealt with bullying in the past and would like to read about what they should've done when things were happening and changing their lives, it could be for kids or for teens. There's something in this beautiful guide that's for everyone, even if you're just curious about the writing and what to do kind of thing that I'm here for. It's such a remarkable, interesting guide.
In case you haven't noticed already from what I told you about this book, Aija is a fabulous writer, you could seriously tell. From this guide/novel, you'll discover her true personality and see why she's an amazing person and author. She puts all of herself into this novel and isn't just here to tell her story, she's here to help others. She's motivational and I'd definitely eventually like to see fiction being written by her, because her attitude is positive and different. More people need to discover this story.
The Survival Guide to Bullying may not exactly help you, but it's definitely there for you to help others. Being a bystander is horrible, and this guide is motivational and inspiring, as well as interesting. We don't usually get to read about a first-hand experience of young people getting bullied except in fiction, but that's plain fiction. This is non-fiction and like a memoir with so much more. Aija's story is here, waiting for you to pick it up and recommend it to everyone you know, young or old. Woo!
September 1, 2015
Read review in its entirety at http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...
Summer is almost over and that means back to school shopping. An essential school supply, especially for tweens and teens is The Survival Guide to Bullying: Written by a Teen by debut author Aija Mayrock. While most non-fictions books that address bullying are written by adults, which offer a myriad of statistics and cold hard facts, The Survival Guide to Bullying: Written by a Teen, has a different and refreshing approach. As the title indicates, it is written by an actual teen. Nineteen year old Aija artfully captures readers' attention as she engages and informs them about her own experiences with bullying and offers practical advice to help those who are dealing with bullying now.
With fun typography, delightful doodles, and stunning "roems" (which author Auja describes as "rap poems"), readers are instantly captivated by her wonderful creativity, and as Aija shares her personal struggle with bullying, readers can't help but feel connected to this lovely and brave young woman. The guidance is useful, relatable, and tailored perfectly to the intended audience, as it reads intelligently yet is still charismatic.
Useful and inspirational, this is a beneficial book for tweens/teens that are seeking help when it comes to the "battlefield" of everyday life.
"I can't tell you that the methods in this book will work for you, but I can promise possibilities. So take what you can from this book and create your own journey."
Summer is almost over and that means back to school shopping. An essential school supply, especially for tweens and teens is The Survival Guide to Bullying: Written by a Teen by debut author Aija Mayrock. While most non-fictions books that address bullying are written by adults, which offer a myriad of statistics and cold hard facts, The Survival Guide to Bullying: Written by a Teen, has a different and refreshing approach. As the title indicates, it is written by an actual teen. Nineteen year old Aija artfully captures readers' attention as she engages and informs them about her own experiences with bullying and offers practical advice to help those who are dealing with bullying now.
With fun typography, delightful doodles, and stunning "roems" (which author Auja describes as "rap poems"), readers are instantly captivated by her wonderful creativity, and as Aija shares her personal struggle with bullying, readers can't help but feel connected to this lovely and brave young woman. The guidance is useful, relatable, and tailored perfectly to the intended audience, as it reads intelligently yet is still charismatic.
Useful and inspirational, this is a beneficial book for tweens/teens that are seeking help when it comes to the "battlefield" of everyday life.
"I can't tell you that the methods in this book will work for you, but I can promise possibilities. So take what you can from this book and create your own journey."
June 29, 2015
Thanks to the author for a copy to read and review.
I have to say that the author is something pretty special, to provide a book for other children to cope with bullying. Nice viewpoints, and I agree that if this book helps just one child Aija.... Then you will have done something pretty great.
Survival is the key thing here. So many children are giving up there right to live because of another's bullying. Losing just one child to this is a shame. I really like the battlefield plan, because when your fighting then it does really feel like war. Finding yourself and things you can excel at seem to be the best way to deal with bullying. Find people you can connect with, even if it's a book group, or an activity, or a sport. I have always loved to read and found myself lost in books to escape the misery. I also pushed myself academically and graduated high school when I was sixteen. College at sixteen was wonderful compared to high school. Then when my bullies made it to college I just ignored them. I was years ahead of them at that point. Life shouldn't be taken for granted. You have a purpose here!
I have to say that the author is something pretty special, to provide a book for other children to cope with bullying. Nice viewpoints, and I agree that if this book helps just one child Aija.... Then you will have done something pretty great.
Survival is the key thing here. So many children are giving up there right to live because of another's bullying. Losing just one child to this is a shame. I really like the battlefield plan, because when your fighting then it does really feel like war. Finding yourself and things you can excel at seem to be the best way to deal with bullying. Find people you can connect with, even if it's a book group, or an activity, or a sport. I have always loved to read and found myself lost in books to escape the misery. I also pushed myself academically and graduated high school when I was sixteen. College at sixteen was wonderful compared to high school. Then when my bullies made it to college I just ignored them. I was years ahead of them at that point. Life shouldn't be taken for granted. You have a purpose here!
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