I Was Once A Sweet Child: A book about bullying

By Danette Simmons

I Was Once a Sweet Child is a raw, multi-voiced young adult fiction novel that explores what happens after a kid is pushed to the breaking point by other kids, parents, and life. It is a comparable title to 13 Reasons Why.

At its heart, this novel captures the fragile moment when a child stops being sweet and begins becoming someone else simply to survive. When Josh and Brad's lives collide, the consequences spiral in unexpected and dangerous ways.

"It's a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading."
- Tommy Teeter, Book Reviewer

Written by licensed therapist Danette Simmons, author of the popular A Bad Case of ANT-itis.

Raised in Texas, Simmons brings deep empathy and real-world understanding to every story she tells, creating narratives that feel honest, compassionate, and deeply human. Having witnessed firsthand the lasting effects of bullying on identity, self-worth, and family dynamics, Simmons captures the authentic voices of adolescents navigating peer pressure, social hierarchies, and emotional pain.

Her work sheds light on the difficult realities facing youth while still offering hope and a path toward healing. Beyond her writing, Simmons is an advocate for anti-bullying awareness and youth mental health, establishing herself as a powerful and compassionate voice in contemporary young adult fiction.

Second Edition (2025)
Originally published in 2011, this fully reimagined second edition has been rewritten, expanded, and thoughtfully updated for today's readers. It offers a renewed telling of a story that remains urgently relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1938262360
• ISBN13: 9781938262364
• Release Date: January 2011
• Publisher: Marvelson Publishing
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"