Upstander

Girl bullies, internet bullying, and substance use are themes in this James Preller middle grade standalone companion to Bystander

Mary O'Malley is tired of keeping secrets. Secrets like her older brother, Jonny's, drug use. Starting seventh grade is tough enough without the upheaval her brother is bringing to their family.

It seems the only person who might understand is Griffen Connolly, whose older sister runs with Jonny in the wrong crowd. Mary thought Griff was too cool, too popular for her. But now he wants to hang out with her, and listen.

When two girls Mary thought were her friends decide to slam another girl online, Mary tries to look the other way. Then the girls turn on Mary, and suddenly, she doesn't have a safety zone. Her brother is out of control, her family's energies are all spent on him. There is only one person she can turn to. But can she trust Griff? Or is he one of the bullies?


About the Author
James Preller is the author of the Jigsaw Jones chapter book series, as well as numerous novels, including The Courage Test, Better Off Undead, and Blood Mountain. His novel Bystander was praised in a starred review as "a must-read book" about bullying by School Library Journal, and has been adapted into a play performed by middle-school theater groups across the country. He lives with his family in Delmar, NY.