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Me and Banksy
Dominica's private school is covered in cameras, and someone is hacking into them and posting embarrassing moments for the whole school to see. Like Ana picking her nose. When Dominica quickly changes her shirt from inside out in what she thinks is the privacy of a quiet corner in the library, she's shocked -- and embarrassed -- to discover a video has captured this and is currently circulating amongst her schoolmates. So mortifying, especially since over the past three years, they've had a half-dozen school talks about social media safety.
Who has access to the school security cameras and why are they doing this? Dominica and her best friends, Holden and Saanvi, are determined to find out, and in the process start an art-based student campaign against cameras in the classroom.
Who has access to the school security cameras and why are they doing this? Dominica and her best friends, Holden and Saanvi, are determined to find out, and in the process start an art-based student campaign against cameras in the classroom.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2020
36 people are currently reading
499 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Lloyd Kyi
108 books84 followersTanya writes both fiction and non-fiction, often choosing topics related to science, pop culture, or social history—or a combination of the three. She enjoys combining factual research with intriguing narratives, or the life stories of interesting folks.
In her spare time, Tanya likes to run, bake, and read. Her favourite meal is breakfast, her favourite color is blue, and her favourite children’s book is A Wrinkle in Time.
Tanya grew up in Creston, B.C., and now lives in Vancouver with her husband, who claims to be the world's only Burmese occupational therapist. She balances writing time with parenthood, caring for her daughter Julia and her son Matthew.
In her spare time, Tanya likes to run, bake, and read. Her favourite meal is breakfast, her favourite color is blue, and her favourite children’s book is A Wrinkle in Time.
Tanya grew up in Creston, B.C., and now lives in Vancouver with her husband, who claims to be the world's only Burmese occupational therapist. She balances writing time with parenthood, caring for her daughter Julia and her son Matthew.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
January 15, 2022
A Maine Student Book Award Choice for 2021/2022
When Domenica and her friends are victims of a cyber bully posting their videos on a school forum, they start to work together for some social change at their school. Combining art and protest, they are inspired by the anonymous street artist Bansky.
With lots of action, and some twists and turns, this story takes the reader on a great journey. I really enjoyed this read!
When Domenica and her friends are victims of a cyber bully posting their videos on a school forum, they start to work together for some social change at their school. Combining art and protest, they are inspired by the anonymous street artist Bansky.
With lots of action, and some twists and turns, this story takes the reader on a great journey. I really enjoyed this read!
January 27, 2021
January 26, 2021 Update I didn't think of this as mystery fiction at the time of reading, but as more of a cautionary tale about the surveillance state, cyber-bullying & social media, but good on Tanya Lloyd Kyi for being nominated under Best Juvenile Fiction for the 2021 Edgar Awards by the Mystery Writers of America.
Banksy-inspired YA Fiction
Review of the Puffin Canada hardcover edition (Jan. 2020)
The initial attraction for me here was the cleverness of the cover design. The supposed googly eyes of the stencilled squirrel could also be security camera monitors pointing in different directions. These are the sort of real-world objects which the real-life Banksy would incorporate into their stencilled social commentary graffiti work. I then found out that it was a Young Adult fiction book dealing with cyber-bullying and privacy issues which seemed like a worthy topic.
I thought the issues were handled well and the topic of Banksy was incorporated appropriately into the plot. Protagonist Dominica Rivers is initially inspired by a Banksy book that her gallery owning grandmother gifts to her. When incidents of cyber-bullying occur at school she inadvertently starts drawing and then stencilling squirrel symbols in protest (in homage to Banksy's iconic rat images). The tone is kept fairly light and there are a lot of diversions into snack food eating. Still, I thought it was well done.
Trivia and Links
The author does add a cautionary end note to discourage children/young adults from taking vigilante action themselves, but to instead contact trusted adult figures. Links to prevent or combat cyber bullying are provided to:
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/b...
and to http://cyberbullyhelp.com
There is also an endnote about Banksy with a link to a 2014 article about Why Banksy is Probably a Woman.
Banksy-inspired YA Fiction
Review of the Puffin Canada hardcover edition (Jan. 2020)
The initial attraction for me here was the cleverness of the cover design. The supposed googly eyes of the stencilled squirrel could also be security camera monitors pointing in different directions. These are the sort of real-world objects which the real-life Banksy would incorporate into their stencilled social commentary graffiti work. I then found out that it was a Young Adult fiction book dealing with cyber-bullying and privacy issues which seemed like a worthy topic.
I thought the issues were handled well and the topic of Banksy was incorporated appropriately into the plot. Protagonist Dominica Rivers is initially inspired by a Banksy book that her gallery owning grandmother gifts to her. When incidents of cyber-bullying occur at school she inadvertently starts drawing and then stencilling squirrel symbols in protest (in homage to Banksy's iconic rat images). The tone is kept fairly light and there are a lot of diversions into snack food eating. Still, I thought it was well done.
Trivia and Links
The author does add a cautionary end note to discourage children/young adults from taking vigilante action themselves, but to instead contact trusted adult figures. Links to prevent or combat cyber bullying are provided to:
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/b...
and to http://cyberbullyhelp.com
There is also an endnote about Banksy with a link to a 2014 article about Why Banksy is Probably a Woman.
July 7, 2020
This middle grade novel drew me in because #Banksy but for sure was much more than I could have hoped for. With themes of art, civic debates, and taking a stance against cyber bullying, this diverse group of friends sought to be heard and accomplished their goal. Similar to Alan Gratz' 'Ban This Book' the storyline, censorship is not limited to books but other means as well. This would be a great title to lead discussion as kids, tweens and electronics in this digital world.
March 27, 2020
Think of this as Ocean's 8th grade.
The tone feels like Hiasson's Hoot and Scat, only with (street) art as a motif. Plus fun facts about Banksy.
Library copy
The tone feels like Hiasson's Hoot and Scat, only with (street) art as a motif. Plus fun facts about Banksy.
Library copy
April 9, 2020
A real gem of a story. Fast paced, artfully crafted and with Banksy there to add depth and complexity.
Highly recommended to all Middle School readers.
Highly recommended to all Middle School readers.
October 21, 2020
4.5 ⭐️ I really liked this book, especially the last 2/3rds when the plot quietly unfolds. A diverse crew and many good lessons folded in.
August 7, 2021
Loved the Banksy inspired elements of this story. What made it 3 star for me (almost 2 stars) was that the main character and friends took the matter of cyberbullying into their own hands instead of talking to a trusted adult. This is what kids should do and it was not addressed in the story from the student side or the adult side. There was an author’s note at the end of the book about the importance of seeking the help and support of trusted adults if this is happening to you but it wasn’t addressed in the book, even from the struggle side of it. So even though I rooted for the characters in the book, this left me with a bad aftertaste. Kids shouldn’t be inspired to be superheroes in the face of bullying and abusive behaviour. This trope may work in fantasy novels like Harry Potter, but has the potential to be dangerous in realistic fiction.
February 13, 2020
As parents and educators we want to keep our children safe, that is one of the main jobs of parenting, keep your child safe. The world looks a lot different than when we were children and sometimes we can go to extremes to keep our youth from harm. Tanya Lloyd Kyi does an incredible job of exploring safety and security as well as issues such as privacy and cyber bullying in our increasingly online world in Me and Banksy.
Dominica, Saanvi, and Holden all attend a private school for gifted students whose principal is hyper concerned with safety to the point of installing over thirty security cameras throughout the school keeping the students and teachers under constant surveillance. When the security system is hacked and embarrassing videos of students and teachers begin showing up in an online forum, the three friends know they need to do something to address the security breaches. When taking their concerns to the principal results in little action, they decide to take matters into their own hands. Paired by Dominica’s new found appreciation for the artist known as Banksy, they hatch a plan to let the world know how intrusive technology can be.
I love how Tanya Lloyd Kyi has explored issues that are at the forefront of the lives of middle schoolers today. She really let the story ask and answer the questions surrounding security and surveillance: when is it for protection and when does it violate our right to privacy? There is a real push and pull in the story but it always comes back to Dominica’s gut feeling that the level of scrutiny they experience at school is not right and violates their right to privacy at school and at home. She experiences it not only at school but at home when she questions how her grandmother can know so much about the comings and goings fof Dominica and her mother.
Me and Banksy is also a story about friendship and how friendship can evolve as children get older. The author also points out that what we see may not be the whole story about another person. What we don’t see is their motives behind their actions. When we take a minute to find out a little more about a person, perhaps we can have a little more empathy for them and a little more understanding of why they do what they do. I appreciated that Tanya Lloyd Kyi hinted at growing and changing feelings throughout the story but did not make it the focus of her story. It was a lovely addition to round out the story. I also appreciated that she gave us some conclusion to all of the feelings she is hinting at throughout the story.
I believe this story will appeal to so many middle school readers who are navigating new territory. They are figuring out how they fit in the world and what a wonderfully entertaining story to have as inspiration.
Dominica, Saanvi, and Holden all attend a private school for gifted students whose principal is hyper concerned with safety to the point of installing over thirty security cameras throughout the school keeping the students and teachers under constant surveillance. When the security system is hacked and embarrassing videos of students and teachers begin showing up in an online forum, the three friends know they need to do something to address the security breaches. When taking their concerns to the principal results in little action, they decide to take matters into their own hands. Paired by Dominica’s new found appreciation for the artist known as Banksy, they hatch a plan to let the world know how intrusive technology can be.
I love how Tanya Lloyd Kyi has explored issues that are at the forefront of the lives of middle schoolers today. She really let the story ask and answer the questions surrounding security and surveillance: when is it for protection and when does it violate our right to privacy? There is a real push and pull in the story but it always comes back to Dominica’s gut feeling that the level of scrutiny they experience at school is not right and violates their right to privacy at school and at home. She experiences it not only at school but at home when she questions how her grandmother can know so much about the comings and goings fof Dominica and her mother.
Me and Banksy is also a story about friendship and how friendship can evolve as children get older. The author also points out that what we see may not be the whole story about another person. What we don’t see is their motives behind their actions. When we take a minute to find out a little more about a person, perhaps we can have a little more empathy for them and a little more understanding of why they do what they do. I appreciated that Tanya Lloyd Kyi hinted at growing and changing feelings throughout the story but did not make it the focus of her story. It was a lovely addition to round out the story. I also appreciated that she gave us some conclusion to all of the feelings she is hinting at throughout the story.
I believe this story will appeal to so many middle school readers who are navigating new territory. They are figuring out how they fit in the world and what a wonderfully entertaining story to have as inspiration.
August 30, 2020
This book falls into what I think of as a sub-sub genre of middle grade fiction: the school subversion microgenre. I'm a huge fan of the genre, and I read this book straight through in a day, eager to know what the protagonists come up with.
Ur-texts: Cormier's The Chocolate War, and a lot of Andrew Clements' novels.
A few other examples I've read in the past few years:
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks E. Lockhart
Ban This Book Alan Gratz
Frindle Andrew Clements
Moxie Jennifer Mathieu
Don't Get Caught Kurt Dinan
The concept: kid is personally affected by injustice at school (a contemporary school, no fantasy elements!). They come up with a clever plot based on what they learn about history and art, and they prevail by recruiting some important allies. The whole genre owes a lot to anti-Nazi student movements like the White Rose, or Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club.
Nonviolent protest isn't simple, especially to those with legitimate grievances who want to see the world changed now. It take courage that doesn't come naturally to most individuals. These kinds of stories help us see other possibilities. These books also make small-scale social change (usually within a single school, or sometimes a single grade of that school) happen in a structure that's similar to a heist thriller.
This is a good example of the microgenre, and you'll learn some fascinating anecdotes about street artist Banksy along the way.
Ur-texts: Cormier's The Chocolate War, and a lot of Andrew Clements' novels.
A few other examples I've read in the past few years:
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks E. Lockhart
Ban This Book Alan Gratz
Frindle Andrew Clements
Moxie Jennifer Mathieu
Don't Get Caught Kurt Dinan
The concept: kid is personally affected by injustice at school (a contemporary school, no fantasy elements!). They come up with a clever plot based on what they learn about history and art, and they prevail by recruiting some important allies. The whole genre owes a lot to anti-Nazi student movements like the White Rose, or Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club.
Nonviolent protest isn't simple, especially to those with legitimate grievances who want to see the world changed now. It take courage that doesn't come naturally to most individuals. These kinds of stories help us see other possibilities. These books also make small-scale social change (usually within a single school, or sometimes a single grade of that school) happen in a structure that's similar to a heist thriller.
This is a good example of the microgenre, and you'll learn some fascinating anecdotes about street artist Banksy along the way.
December 2, 2019
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
I really enjoyed this story that takes a look at the topics of security and privacy at a private school.
Dominica's school is filled with cameras, and someone hack into them and starts posting embarrassing photos of students on the school forum. When Dominica and her friend approach the administration, they receive little support; the school values security over student privacy. As the situation escalates, Dominica and her friends decide to use art to draw attention to the issue in ways big and small.
I really enjoyed a story set in a private school for gifted students. The issue of violation of privacy becomes more relevant as technology use increases (for example, all of the students have school-issued laptops, and the parents are notified as they scan in and out of school). Young readers will relate to the characters and the plot, while the subject matter could lead to interesting classroom discussions and debates. Although the cover is not one that I feel will greatly appeal to middle grade readers, the story is one I definitely recommend.
I really enjoyed this story that takes a look at the topics of security and privacy at a private school.
Dominica's school is filled with cameras, and someone hack into them and starts posting embarrassing photos of students on the school forum. When Dominica and her friend approach the administration, they receive little support; the school values security over student privacy. As the situation escalates, Dominica and her friends decide to use art to draw attention to the issue in ways big and small.
I really enjoyed a story set in a private school for gifted students. The issue of violation of privacy becomes more relevant as technology use increases (for example, all of the students have school-issued laptops, and the parents are notified as they scan in and out of school). Young readers will relate to the characters and the plot, while the subject matter could lead to interesting classroom discussions and debates. Although the cover is not one that I feel will greatly appeal to middle grade readers, the story is one I definitely recommend.
July 22, 2021
Middle Grade (4-8)
Sunshine State nominated book 2021-22
Audiobook - Library Copy
The head of Dominica's private school is obsessed with security and the school has security cameras all over, including in the classrooms. When embarrassing videos of students and teachers circulate the school, Dominica and her friends are determined to find out who did it and how they accessed the security cam footage. But there is a bigger issue involving privacy and the price of security. As Dominica learns about the artist Banksy, she finds ways to express her frustration at the lack of privacy and force the administration to listen to her and her friends.
I flew through this book. I thought there would be a squirrel character, but the cover refers to the images Dominica draws around the school - her form of protest. Themes include art, debating, cyber-bulling, and standing up for what you believe. This book would be a perfect book club read with middle-grade students and can be used as a jumping-off point for discussions about social media, privacy, bullying, and protests.
Sunshine State nominated book 2021-22
Audiobook - Library Copy
The head of Dominica's private school is obsessed with security and the school has security cameras all over, including in the classrooms. When embarrassing videos of students and teachers circulate the school, Dominica and her friends are determined to find out who did it and how they accessed the security cam footage. But there is a bigger issue involving privacy and the price of security. As Dominica learns about the artist Banksy, she finds ways to express her frustration at the lack of privacy and force the administration to listen to her and her friends.
I flew through this book. I thought there would be a squirrel character, but the cover refers to the images Dominica draws around the school - her form of protest. Themes include art, debating, cyber-bulling, and standing up for what you believe. This book would be a perfect book club read with middle-grade students and can be used as a jumping-off point for discussions about social media, privacy, bullying, and protests.
June 6, 2021
What a fricking delight! This kept me company through a nasty sinus infection and case of laryngitis, and it was such a good timely choice. I'm always perpetually thankful that I was a tween and teen before cameras and social media were such a HUGE thing because I genuinely don't think I would have survived if something like this happened to me. You may think I'm exaggerating, but I was nothing if not even more of an anxious mess when I was Dominica's age.
Knowing this book was picked as a Sunshine State really shows me that this is a real challenge students are facing everyday in their classrooms, and it seems like they might be sick of it.
Knowing this book was picked as a Sunshine State really shows me that this is a real challenge students are facing everyday in their classrooms, and it seems like they might be sick of it.
March 23, 2020
Thanks to the publisher for my copy of Me and Banksy in exchange for my honest review. MY view on this book is very positive although, while others have called it Young Adult, I believe it is more in line with Middle Grade Fiction. While the characters are in 9th grade, it's a private school and it had the feel of middle school fiction. I guess, based on age, it's YA.
I really liked the use of a true life character, the graffiti artist, Banksy as well as thefictional characters created by Ms Kyi. It's well written, interesting and I will recommend it to my grandkids.
I really liked the use of a true life character, the graffiti artist, Banksy as well as thefictional characters created by Ms Kyi. It's well written, interesting and I will recommend it to my grandkids.
October 14, 2021
Dominica attends a swanky private school in the city. Their principal is keen on school security, and goes overboard with surveillance. When someone hacks the system and starts posting embarrassing videos of students on social media, Dominica becomes a target. She fights back with Banksy-style graffiti on the school grounds. Good story-telling despite a bit far-fetched premise. Fans of Gordan Korman will enjoy.
January 3, 2022
I finished it!! it has a sapphic relationship at the end which is exciting bc it’s for school so that almost never happens. a step towards more diversity 😎 okay but yeah I liked it, it’s one of the best sunshine state books from this year for sure. the message and character development were very cool. :)
April 5, 2020
This is a great story about privacy issues resulting from a private school's overuse of surveillance cameras. The characters are interesting, and the plot really picks up as the climax nears. It's a thought-provoking read for middle schoolers.
June 22, 2021
Excellent selection by the Rocky Mountain Book Award committee! Can't wait to recommend this to middle school students in my life!
August 16, 2021
This audiobook is just over 6 hours long and is narrated by Veronica Hortiguela. I ended up listening to this audiobook on x1.0 speed but only because I wasn't listening to it alone. If I was listening to it by myself, I think it would have been better sped up a teeny bit to my usual x1.2 speed. The tone of this book was definitely middle grade and as such, the narration felt middle grade. It was a nice match to the book. When a part in the story called for it, Veronica was able to sound panicked, determined, or embarrassed. Towards the end of the book, the narration picked up and was even more exciting to listen to.
The story was excellent. It touches on a bunch of interesting themes: cyberbullying, surveillance, middle grade friendships and relationships and family matters. The tone stays relatively light throughout the book with still being able to spark some interesting deep conversations in relations to the themes. I would definitely recommend this book to read.
The story was excellent. It touches on a bunch of interesting themes: cyberbullying, surveillance, middle grade friendships and relationships and family matters. The tone stays relatively light throughout the book with still being able to spark some interesting deep conversations in relations to the themes. I would definitely recommend this book to read.
Want to read
February 28, 2020I really like this book it is so fun to read. As the book go's on it gets better. At the beginning it is really boring but once the rising action starts the book is very fun to read. So trust me don't put the book away in the first chapter is gets so good in like the 3 chapter. The chapters are really long.
December 18, 2021
I love so much about this book. The message is important and the way the kids handle it is brilliant. I like how everyone is just themselves and how they use their strength to come together and make a plan. I also noticed that the author never really describes the characters looks. I have no idea what their hair colour, skin colour, or anything else looks like. I kind of like it. I get decide what they look like and it seems to make for a very diverse cast. I’m also liked the use of art to send a strong message. The principle, Ms. Plante, says some pretty dumb things that clearly victim blame and do not focus on the real issue. Saanvi, Holden, abd Dominica (along with Miranda and Max) do a great job of trying to argue against Ms. Plante and point out how wrong she is. This book just does a great job with subtlety.
The only issue I had with this book is the age of the characters. At times it read as middle graders, other times it read as older teens, and even other times it read as young teens. It seemed to stretch between ages 11-17 without any consistency. It made me a little confused at times how they could do one thing and then they would do something that did not fit that age at all. The sexual elements (the video and the relationship hints) seemed more older teen, their friendship and actions seemed middle grade, but then some of their ideas, connections, and confidence felt more young teen. It just seemed to bounce around a lot.
It is a really great book and another strong contestant for the RMBA.
The only issue I had with this book is the age of the characters. At times it read as middle graders, other times it read as older teens, and even other times it read as young teens. It seemed to stretch between ages 11-17 without any consistency. It made me a little confused at times how they could do one thing and then they would do something that did not fit that age at all. The sexual elements (the video and the relationship hints) seemed more older teen, their friendship and actions seemed middle grade, but then some of their ideas, connections, and confidence felt more young teen. It just seemed to bounce around a lot.
It is a really great book and another strong contestant for the RMBA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2021
Dominica attends a fancy private middle school that prides itself on the security of the students. In fact, the number of cameras in the halls and classrooms are a bit disconcerting. Especially when images from those cameras start appearing on the student online forum - images and clips that are embarrassing, someone picking her nose, a boy with his fly open, and even Dom, who thought she was alone in a private corner of the library and quickly turned her shirt right-side out. When Dom tells the principal, she is accused of violating the social media safety rules herself. So Dominica and a few of her friends decide to fight back themselves, organizing an art installation as a protest.
There were a lot of things I really liked about "Me and Banksy" I liked that Kyi established right away that this school was pretty over the top - the kids wear a nametag that notifies their parents when they arrive at school. I learned about the artist Banksy, I knew about his/her art but not about the meaning behind some the work. However, making the principal's son the villain with no consequences felt very stereotypical, as did several of the other classmates. Includes an authors note about not trying to fight cyber-bullying without the help of a trusted adult.
Crossposted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
There were a lot of things I really liked about "Me and Banksy" I liked that Kyi established right away that this school was pretty over the top - the kids wear a nametag that notifies their parents when they arrive at school. I learned about the artist Banksy, I knew about his/her art but not about the meaning behind some the work. However, making the principal's son the villain with no consequences felt very stereotypical, as did several of the other classmates. Includes an authors note about not trying to fight cyber-bullying without the help of a trusted adult.
Crossposted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com
April 15, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from LibraryThing Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review.
I was drawn to this book by the cover and by ‘Banksy’ being in the title. This is a book that deals with the two hot topics of cyber security and cyber bullying in schools. The story centres around Dominica a Her two best friends Holden and Saanvi. After she becomes the victim of a cyber bullying event, that seems to be connected with the over-zealous security camera system in her private school, Dominica, inspired by reading about Banksy, decides to fight back and do something about it. What follows is a fast-paced, exciting story that shows the power in friendships and loyalty, along with the danger of having too much security. There are a few twists and unexpected moments in the story and, in the end, it is quite a page-turner.
This book is probably aimed somewhere between middle-grade and young adult, but if you don’t fall into either of these categories, it is still worth the read. There are strong, believable characters and the story raises a number of questions about bullying and security that are worth discussing, especially with the young people in your life, who could be dealing with these things on a daily basis.
I was drawn to this book by the cover and by ‘Banksy’ being in the title. This is a book that deals with the two hot topics of cyber security and cyber bullying in schools. The story centres around Dominica a Her two best friends Holden and Saanvi. After she becomes the victim of a cyber bullying event, that seems to be connected with the over-zealous security camera system in her private school, Dominica, inspired by reading about Banksy, decides to fight back and do something about it. What follows is a fast-paced, exciting story that shows the power in friendships and loyalty, along with the danger of having too much security. There are a few twists and unexpected moments in the story and, in the end, it is quite a page-turner.
This book is probably aimed somewhere between middle-grade and young adult, but if you don’t fall into either of these categories, it is still worth the read. There are strong, believable characters and the story raises a number of questions about bullying and security that are worth discussing, especially with the young people in your life, who could be dealing with these things on a daily basis.
January 12, 2020
This book tackles the tough issues of cyber bullying and cyber security in schools.
Dominica and her friends are targeted by a cyber bully, who is posting embarrassing images of them online. They discover that the images were taken from the school’s security cameras. They stage a protest to show how damaging the security cameras are to the students and teachers.
These are important issues for children to be aware of today. Just because the school administration in this book thought the cameras in classrooms and hallways would keep children safe, that doesn’t mean they’re right. The cameras actually posed a threat to students when the embarrassing images were leaked. The cameras also made the teachers and students alter their behavior in class because they knew they were being watched at all times. Though there are some advantages to cyber security, it can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
I really liked this story!
Thank you Penguin Random House for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dominica and her friends are targeted by a cyber bully, who is posting embarrassing images of them online. They discover that the images were taken from the school’s security cameras. They stage a protest to show how damaging the security cameras are to the students and teachers.
These are important issues for children to be aware of today. Just because the school administration in this book thought the cameras in classrooms and hallways would keep children safe, that doesn’t mean they’re right. The cameras actually posed a threat to students when the embarrassing images were leaked. The cameras also made the teachers and students alter their behavior in class because they knew they were being watched at all times. Though there are some advantages to cyber security, it can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
I really liked this story!
Thank you Penguin Random House for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2020
Start to finish, this book was a lot of fun. The subject of political street art interested me--especially the connection with a real-world artist--and I'm also interested in books that tackle the subject of bullying. Briefly, someone is posting videos from the school's surveillance cameras that capture students' embarrassing moments. The protagonist and her friends employ street art to protest both the ongoing surveillance and their use in cyber-bullying.
I want to amplify the author's recommendation in a "Note About Cyber Bullying," when she advises that students who are being cyber-bullied should talk to a trusted adult. I think that the protagonists did attempt this action, by going to their school principal, but they didn't get results. As a result, the students in the story took matters into their own hands. There was certainly a lot to think about in the pages of this book, combined with a compelling story.
I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers
I want to amplify the author's recommendation in a "Note About Cyber Bullying," when she advises that students who are being cyber-bullied should talk to a trusted adult. I think that the protagonists did attempt this action, by going to their school principal, but they didn't get results. As a result, the students in the story took matters into their own hands. There was certainly a lot to think about in the pages of this book, combined with a compelling story.
I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewers
April 8, 2020
Domincia is a very sharp 8th grader. She is more talented in art and writing than in mathematics. Her father left the family earler and but her grandmother, George, lives close by. George understands Domincia much better than she does her daughter.
Domincia is assigned a project in her 8th grade ethics class on privacy and security.An artist before her time fascinates her. No one knows Banksy's real name but he or she uses street graffiti to
express social commentary. There has been some cyber-bullying going in Domincia's school. That causes a lot of pain and embarrassment. Domencia and her friends decide to take the matter into their own hands.
At the end of the book, the author warns the readers that instead of doing what Domincia a nd her friend did that they need to talk to an adult who they trust about the problem. This book deals with the problem of privacy issues very well.
I received a finished copy of this book from the publisher's as a result of win from the LibraryThing.
Domincia is assigned a project in her 8th grade ethics class on privacy and security.An artist before her time fascinates her. No one knows Banksy's real name but he or she uses street graffiti to
express social commentary. There has been some cyber-bullying going in Domincia's school. That causes a lot of pain and embarrassment. Domencia and her friends decide to take the matter into their own hands.
At the end of the book, the author warns the readers that instead of doing what Domincia a nd her friend did that they need to talk to an adult who they trust about the problem. This book deals with the problem of privacy issues very well.
I received a finished copy of this book from the publisher's as a result of win from the LibraryThing.
March 17, 2020
I was immediately drawn in by the cover of this book because it is cute and unique. In terms of the intended audience, this is a young adult fiction book. I've noticed that most young adult books have high school protagonists, so I like that this book had an 8th grade protagonist. This is one big reason why I would choose to read this book with my 8th grade students. The issues in the book, such as cyberbullying and security, are issues that young people face and wonder how to fight against. The story was realistic in lots of places, but I struggled with the idea that a principal would hack into a webcam and spy on her students, to claim that they were taking drugs. However, this is a fictional book, so I have to suspend some of my disbelief. In general, this book was a quick, solid read. It was interesting throughout, with enjoyable characters and an intriguing storyline.
June 17, 2020
Thank you so much Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers and Puffin Canada for this free Advanced Readers Copy! The following review contains my honest opinion.
I love this book! Parents, go read this book with your children! Tweens and Teens, go read this book! (Not only is this a great book, it will make a great movie!) This book provides so many opportunities for constructive and educational dialogue. This book makes a great book club read.
This is very well written, especially the included "Note about Cyber Bullying"!
All the characters (including the adult characters) are well-rounded and realistic, right down to their insecurities and biases. The story is multi-layered and complex, but maintains its readability and has terrific flow. Once I started reading, I could not put this book down.
I love this book! Parents, go read this book with your children! Tweens and Teens, go read this book! (Not only is this a great book, it will make a great movie!) This book provides so many opportunities for constructive and educational dialogue. This book makes a great book club read.
This is very well written, especially the included "Note about Cyber Bullying"!
All the characters (including the adult characters) are well-rounded and realistic, right down to their insecurities and biases. The story is multi-layered and complex, but maintains its readability and has terrific flow. Once I started reading, I could not put this book down.
March 5, 2022
Privacy Invasion
The Middle school, students who go there,are having problems with the schools
security cameras. Which are paced in all class rooms, and throughout the school.
Then it happens some one cyber bulling people with illegal videos. Finally
after the principle won’t do anything to stop it. The students take it into their
Own hands to do something about it. They decided enough is enough! Read
what these brave students did. A great book that teaches kids about cyber bulling
Is about, and how it affect’s those that are being attracted by it. A great wake
Up call on the new school bulling, by computer, and cell phones on posting sights
On the internet. Remember once it’s posted it’s out there for good. Get Banksy
And Me for your kids to read along with the whole family.
Debra H.
The Middle school, students who go there,are having problems with the schools
security cameras. Which are paced in all class rooms, and throughout the school.
Then it happens some one cyber bulling people with illegal videos. Finally
after the principle won’t do anything to stop it. The students take it into their
Own hands to do something about it. They decided enough is enough! Read
what these brave students did. A great book that teaches kids about cyber bulling
Is about, and how it affect’s those that are being attracted by it. A great wake
Up call on the new school bulling, by computer, and cell phones on posting sights
On the internet. Remember once it’s posted it’s out there for good. Get Banksy
And Me for your kids to read along with the whole family.
Debra H.
October 29, 2021
My book club chose Me and Banksy for November. It is a quick read with a lot of interesting topics to discuss like ethics, sexual harassment, technology, privacy, and cyberbullying. Students at Mitchell Academy are carefully monitored through cameras and electronic ID tags. When someone hacks the system to post embarrassing videos of students our protagonist, Dominica, is caught turning her shirt right-side out in the library. The principal is unsympathetic and actually blames Dominica (I hate the mean principal who has a kid in the school who is the bully trope, by the way). At the same time, Dominca develops a strong interest in the British artist Banksy and questions how art can play a role in protest. I enjoyed this book and look forward to talking about it with the students!
April 3, 2021
This is a simple, accessible read for readers in grades 5-7. While the plot and charcaters are aimed at middle readers, the issues raised (privacy, cyber-buying, the role of art to question authority) are great conversation starters for readers of any age.
This is a good book to get kids thinking about the role of authority in their lives and how they might stand up for the rights to privacy. Also, shout out to the references to Banksy and his or her role in highlighting social issues that need addressing in society.
This is a solid book that can find a place in any MS classroom library. It would be cool to pair it with the novel Moxie.
This is a good book to get kids thinking about the role of authority in their lives and how they might stand up for the rights to privacy. Also, shout out to the references to Banksy and his or her role in highlighting social issues that need addressing in society.
This is a solid book that can find a place in any MS classroom library. It would be cool to pair it with the novel Moxie.
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