Egghead

By Caroline Pignat

Book Overview

Will Reid is a gawky kid who wears fake turtlenecks, is obsessed by his ant farm project, and is lousy at gym. In other words, he's the perfect target for Shane, the Grade 9 bully. Katie has been Will's friend in elementary school, but defending him in the high school environment comes at an unforeseen cost - she dreads the rumours that link them in a boyfriend/girlfriend way she's never considered. Devan has been part of Shane's bullyboy team until now, when he comes to realize that it's not so smart to mindlessly back up each nasty attack of Shane's. Together the three young teens are struggling to find their way out of one of the classic dilemmas of life: how not to be a bystander to bullying, how to stand up for your friends, and how to deal with consuming rage.

Young readers will find lots to think about as they turn the pages of this crisp and compelling story by newcomer Caroline Pignat. Each character takes a turn at telling the story -- through the spare blank verse of Will, wrapped up in the world of his single-parent father and his own eccentric preoccupations; through the clear-eyed accounts of Katie, wrestling with her own private demons; and in the sensitive narrative of the slowly awakening Devan, who comes to notice Katie as a spunky, attractive individual whom he'd like to know better but fears thinks he's a goof.

Kids Help Phone's has included Egghead on their site as a book to help kids in their 'Get Information' section under Bullying for Ages 13 and Up.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0889953996
• ISBN13: 9780889953994
• Release Date: November 2007
• Publisher: Red Deer Press
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.4" x 7.6"
• Age Range: 11 to 15 years
• Grade Range: Grades 6 to 10

Customer Reviews

Amazing read for not only teens but adults as well

I read this book and immediately gave it to my daughter to read. The story really hit home with the friends of the bully and the bullied as this goes on constantly within the schools. Our schools say they have a "No Bully" policy, however, it is lacking in helping the students understand how bullying can affect not only the two involved but their peers around them as well. Heart felt book that should be a mandatory read for Middle schools and High schools around the country. I highly encourage you to purchase this book for child or school.