The Mauled Mage - A gripping middle-grade adventure about cyberbullying, courage, and digital responsibility.
When a quiet classmate becomes the target of cruel online attacks, Beam refuses to ignore it. Lee is being mauled in the digital shadows, mocked, excluded, and humiliated behind screens. Rumours spread fast. Screenshots disappear. No one wants to get involved.
But Beam digs deeper.
What he uncovers forces him to make a choice: stay silent and stay safe, or stand up and risk becoming a target himself.
Blending fast-paced storytelling with real-world relevance, The Mauled Mage explores:
The emotional impact of cyberbullying
The power of bystanders becoming upstanders
The complexity of digital friendships
The courage it takes to seek help
Ethical decision-making in online spaces
Written for ages 9-12, this relatable tech-age adventure helps young readers recognise manipulation, understand consequences, and act with empathy.
This is not a lecture about digital safety.
It is a story that shows why it matters.
Perfect for:
Upper primary classrooms
School and public libraries
Homeschool study units
Parents wanting meaningful tech conversations
Start the conversation every young digital citizen needs.
Testimonials "I liked that it felt real. The way the messages spread and how no one wanted to get involved. That's exactly what happens. It made me think about what I would actually do." Emily T., 13 "This book opened a conversation we'd been avoiding. My son saw himself in the characters and finally talked about what's really happening in his group chats. It's honest without being overwhelming." Sarah M., Parent "As a parent, I appreciated that it doesn't preach. It tells a compelling story and lets kids draw their own conclusions. The discussion that followed was thoughtful and surprisingly deep." Daniel K., Melbourne "My daughter read it in one sitting. What stayed with her wasn't just the bullying storyline, but the idea of being an upstander. She's more aware now of how small online choices matter." Aisha R., Parent of two girls