Information

Title: Letters to a Bullied Girl: Messages of Healing and Hope

Author: Olivia Gardner

Published: 2008

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

ISBN: 9780061544620

Purchase a copy of this book online: Letters to a Bullied Girl: Messages of Healing and Hope

Description:

Olivia Gardner is a 14-year-old girl living in northern California. She was bullied by her classmates for two years at multiple schools. When two sisters in a nearby town hear of Olivia’s situation, they decided to write letters to her to help encourage her, and they encourage many others to do the same. Thousands of people from around the country wrote letters to Olivia, some who used to be bullies, some who used to be bullied, to strengthen her spirits and show her she is not alone.

HBOs:

HBO 6: Recognize and avoid dangerous surroundings.

HBO 8: Support others to avoid risky behaviors and be safe.

NHES:

Knowledge Expectations:

S1.8.15: Describe actions to change unsafe situations at school.

S1.8.11 Describe how sharing or posting personal information electronically about self or others on social media sites can negatively impact personal safety of self or others.

Skill Expectations:

S4.8.1: Demonstrate the use of effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills to enhance safety and injury prevention

S4.8.3: Demonstrate effective peer resistance skills to avoid or reduce injury

Integrate with the Core Curriculum:

Writing: Have students write a letter to someone who is being bullied (not a real person) encouraging them with how to deal with their situation.

Social Studies: Have students work in small groups to come up with action steps to take if they see someone being bullied. Post these in the classroom.