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The Only Way Out: A bully, a victim and a bystander whose lives will never be the same
Kaitlyn and Rebecca are next door neighbors and the best of friends. The two young teens can't wait to attend high school together! What they don't know, however, is that danger the likes of which they never could have imagined looms ahead.
Just moments after they begin their exciting first day, Rebecca becomes the victim of choice for Chantel, a young, rough-edged bully at Leacrest High. What starts as a seemingly insignificant altercation outside the school cafeteria eventually escalates into physical, mental and emotional attacks, both in the flesh and online. But no one knows the depths of what she's going through – not even her best friend, Kaitlyn.
One sunny afternoon in March, tragedy strikes and a horrible incident takes place, of which Kaitlyn is an unfortunate bystander. One thing leads to another and terrifying secrets are revealed. Now the people closest to Rebecca are forced to deal with the alarming discoveries.
Kaitlyn finds herself swallowed whole by feelings of sadness, anger, accountability and guilt. She removes herself from society and becomes diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome. Battling depression and unable to participate in any of her regular day-to-day activities, it is a dark and sad time.
That is until Kaitlyn's silence is finally broken. A revelatory experience catapults her into a new life chapter – one that is signified by speaking up, because now she knows this is the only way for her, for victims, for bystanders and for bullies.
Just moments after they begin their exciting first day, Rebecca becomes the victim of choice for Chantel, a young, rough-edged bully at Leacrest High. What starts as a seemingly insignificant altercation outside the school cafeteria eventually escalates into physical, mental and emotional attacks, both in the flesh and online. But no one knows the depths of what she's going through – not even her best friend, Kaitlyn.
One sunny afternoon in March, tragedy strikes and a horrible incident takes place, of which Kaitlyn is an unfortunate bystander. One thing leads to another and terrifying secrets are revealed. Now the people closest to Rebecca are forced to deal with the alarming discoveries.
Kaitlyn finds herself swallowed whole by feelings of sadness, anger, accountability and guilt. She removes herself from society and becomes diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome. Battling depression and unable to participate in any of her regular day-to-day activities, it is a dark and sad time.
That is until Kaitlyn's silence is finally broken. A revelatory experience catapults her into a new life chapter – one that is signified by speaking up, because now she knows this is the only way for her, for victims, for bystanders and for bullies.
186 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2021
13 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Katie Kuperman
5 books25 followersHey there, Reader!
My name is Katie Kuperman and I'm a passionate writer and speaker who hones in on meaningful topics. With each new story I pen, my goal is to make readers just like you FEEL, LEARN and DO.
So far, I've focused my authorship career in two key areas:
1) Anti-bullying and positive mental health for young adults
2) Inspiring and enjoyable stories for children
No matter what I write, one thing remains constant: my books are designed to evoke emotion, raise awareness, ignite learning and empower readers to take meaningful action in their everyday lives. Each book donates and gives back to great causes, and I'm so pleased to have my work used in schools and other teaching environments.
It is my hope and my vision that through my writing, I may touch hearts and inspire positive change.
When I'm not writing, you can find me goofing around with my kids, enjoying the great outdoors, cooking healthy and delicious meals for my family, teaching dance, mother-ing, wife-ing, spending time with good people, developing myself personally and trying to make the most of every minute I've got.
Thank you for stopping by :)
My name is Katie Kuperman and I'm a passionate writer and speaker who hones in on meaningful topics. With each new story I pen, my goal is to make readers just like you FEEL, LEARN and DO.
So far, I've focused my authorship career in two key areas:
1) Anti-bullying and positive mental health for young adults
2) Inspiring and enjoyable stories for children
No matter what I write, one thing remains constant: my books are designed to evoke emotion, raise awareness, ignite learning and empower readers to take meaningful action in their everyday lives. Each book donates and gives back to great causes, and I'm so pleased to have my work used in schools and other teaching environments.
It is my hope and my vision that through my writing, I may touch hearts and inspire positive change.
When I'm not writing, you can find me goofing around with my kids, enjoying the great outdoors, cooking healthy and delicious meals for my family, teaching dance, mother-ing, wife-ing, spending time with good people, developing myself personally and trying to make the most of every minute I've got.
Thank you for stopping by :)
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 30, 2024
1.5 stars. it was really bad and had really bad writing style
October 18, 2021
Kaitlyn and Rebecca are nearby neighbours and the best of companions. The two youthful youngsters can hardly wait to go to secondary school together. What they don't have the foggiest idea, in any case, is that peril any semblance of which they would never have thought lingers ahead. Only minutes after they start their intriguing first day, Rebecca turns into the casualty of decision for Chantel, a youthful, harsh-edged domineering jerk at Leacrest High. Which begins as an irrelevant fight outside the school cafeteria, at last, grows into physical, mental, and enthusiastic assaults, both in the tissue and on the web. However, nobody knows the profundities of what she's going through – not even her dearest companion, Kaitlyn.
One bright evening in March, misfortune strikes, and an awful occurrence happens, of which Kaitlyn is a lamentable spectator. One thing prompts another and frightening privileged insights are uncovered. Presently individuals nearest to Rebecca are compelled to manage the disturbing revelations. Kaitlyn ends up gulped down by sensations of pity, outrage, responsibility, and culpability. She eliminates herself from society and becomes determined to have post-horrible pressure conditions. Doing combating despondency and being incapable to partake in any of her ordinary everyday exercises, it is a dim and miserable time. That is until Kaitlyn's quietness is at last broken. A life-changing encounter slings her into another life part – one that is meant by making some noise, since now she realizes this is the main way out: for her purposes, for casualties, for onlookers, and menaces.
All through the story, the pursuers can feel the feelings of the characters. The creator sends an amazing message about tormenting and motivates you to join the mission to end it. I anticipate additional books from the writer. Section 17 is especially extremely amazing. Sensational utilization of POV is executed by the creator in the story. The story is exceptionally captivating. The exposition is convincing. I'm anticipating the writer's next book.
One bright evening in March, misfortune strikes, and an awful occurrence happens, of which Kaitlyn is a lamentable spectator. One thing prompts another and frightening privileged insights are uncovered. Presently individuals nearest to Rebecca are compelled to manage the disturbing revelations. Kaitlyn ends up gulped down by sensations of pity, outrage, responsibility, and culpability. She eliminates herself from society and becomes determined to have post-horrible pressure conditions. Doing combating despondency and being incapable to partake in any of her ordinary everyday exercises, it is a dim and miserable time. That is until Kaitlyn's quietness is at last broken. A life-changing encounter slings her into another life part – one that is meant by making some noise, since now she realizes this is the main way out: for her purposes, for casualties, for onlookers, and menaces.
All through the story, the pursuers can feel the feelings of the characters. The creator sends an amazing message about tormenting and motivates you to join the mission to end it. I anticipate additional books from the writer. Section 17 is especially extremely amazing. Sensational utilization of POV is executed by the creator in the story. The story is exceptionally captivating. The exposition is convincing. I'm anticipating the writer's next book.
January 28, 2023
The Only Way Out is a story created for YA Readers on the topic of bullying. It's focus is not on the person being bullying, it is looked at the issue from the unique perspective of a teenager - Kaitlyn - who doesn't realize the depth of the struggle with bullying her childhood friend Rebecca is facing. There are hints, but no firm knowledge, and her friend has drawn away and isn't communicating. All this comes to a head the day Kaitlyn sees her friend swarmed by school bullies. Rebecca doesn't survive the attack.
From there the book moves to follow Kaitlyn as she deals with her personal feelings of guilt to finally breaking her silence on what she has witnessed. We follow her story as she stands up visibly to say no to bullying, and begins to work for change by starting an anti-bullying movement. It makes a huge impact on her school and is picked up by local media.
This is a topic dear ro my heart. As a mother of grown kids who watched all three of her kids face serious bullying when they were young, I know the issues intimately, and know the long term effects it has had on each of them, as well as on our family. I know how truly complex the dynamics are and how difficult to stop it. There is no simple solution.
This story isn't a blueprint for what will work. The issue is way more complex and resistant. What I feel the book offers to YA readers is hope, and to them thinking creatively on ways to address the problem. More than anything, the author wants to break the silence surrounding bullying and get everyone talking.
From there the book moves to follow Kaitlyn as she deals with her personal feelings of guilt to finally breaking her silence on what she has witnessed. We follow her story as she stands up visibly to say no to bullying, and begins to work for change by starting an anti-bullying movement. It makes a huge impact on her school and is picked up by local media.
This is a topic dear ro my heart. As a mother of grown kids who watched all three of her kids face serious bullying when they were young, I know the issues intimately, and know the long term effects it has had on each of them, as well as on our family. I know how truly complex the dynamics are and how difficult to stop it. There is no simple solution.
This story isn't a blueprint for what will work. The issue is way more complex and resistant. What I feel the book offers to YA readers is hope, and to them thinking creatively on ways to address the problem. More than anything, the author wants to break the silence surrounding bullying and get everyone talking.
February 9, 2022
A major strength of this book is how well it explains the emotions and dilemmas of the bullying situation. The story offers the unique perspective of the friend of the victim of bullying, which sheds light on potential warning signs and how conflicting supporting your friend can be. I could see this story offering camaraderie to those in the same struggle by validating their torn feelings while offering a way out of the situation.
The impact of the decisions made in the story are grave and not limited to just the victim, which was important to show. Learning how to deal with bullying from all angles will save lives, not just from violence, but from trauma as well. The invisible harm that bullies can do is also a serious matter. While the consequences of inaction were devastating, the strategy and success of the forward moving action was very inspiring.
Overall, the author did an excellent job sharing this story and I think it makes an insightful teaching narrative. This book will touch your heart in so many ways while providing the key processing techniques and strategy to stand up to bullying.
The impact of the decisions made in the story are grave and not limited to just the victim, which was important to show. Learning how to deal with bullying from all angles will save lives, not just from violence, but from trauma as well. The invisible harm that bullies can do is also a serious matter. While the consequences of inaction were devastating, the strategy and success of the forward moving action was very inspiring.
Overall, the author did an excellent job sharing this story and I think it makes an insightful teaching narrative. This book will touch your heart in so many ways while providing the key processing techniques and strategy to stand up to bullying.
March 13, 2024
"The Only Way Out" is an all-too familiar story about a girl who gets bullied and her friend who promises she won't say anything about it. It warns students of what can happen in school and reminds parents why we worry about our children. Rebecca and Kaitlyn start school as close friends but drift apart due to the realities of the class schedule. No one looking out for them means Chantel, the school bully, is free to do as she pleases
The book shows what can happen when a community comes together and how standing up for others can make a difference in someone's life. Kids every day are faced with choices. Hopefully, this book will inspire them to make the right one.
The book shows what can happen when a community comes together and how standing up for others can make a difference in someone's life. Kids every day are faced with choices. Hopefully, this book will inspire them to make the right one.
January 29, 2024
This book is a heartwarming read about Kaitlyn's experiences during her teenage years. The author made use of vivid descriptions in the story that made the readers easily relate to the emotions of the main character. I love how the main character transitioned from a broken and stressed student to a girl who isn't afraid of opening up and speaking up for herself. The author's writing is commendable, clearly describing the sensitive issue of mental health. All in all, this book is an eye-opener for both parents as well as educators to raise awareness about bullying and other prevalent issues of today.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews