Shield Up!: How Upstanding Bystanders Stop Bullying

Gr 7–10—When the school play turns the lead, CJ, from a good person to a diva who harasses all, including the new girl, her friends have to decide if being bystanders is good enough or if they should speak up and say something. A trip to the counselor leads to lessons on SHIELD UP, a way to fight against bullying. However, CJ seems to get meaner before they can decide, pushing someone out from the play with her bullying. Her friends have to make a hard decision to say something, regardless of the outcome. Clean panels, a smooth layout, and distinct characters make this an easy read for those new to graphic novels. The vibe of the story is very young and sweetly optimistic. Older, jaded students will not take the SHIELD UP approach to bullying very seriously. Also, the ending, in which the bully quickly comes to terms with the consequences of her actions, seems forced. Leave this to the younger crowd, who will see this as an optimistic chance at coming ahead in the bullying game or a way for counselors to talk it out with victims or those who bully.—Mariela Siegert, Westfield Middle School, Bloomingdale, IL