Bully

This timely story tackles the complex social dynamics of school cliques and the painful reality of cyberbullying through the eyes of a young girl named Lyla. When Lyla is welcomed into the popular crowd, she quickly witnesses their cruel behavior, particularly their vicious online harassment of her former best friend, Jamie, on social media. The narrative provides a realistic look at peer pressure and the difficult choices children face when standing up for what's right conflicts with social acceptance. Polacco handles the serious topic of digital bullying with a directness that will resonate with today's elementary school students.

What sets this book apart is its unflinching portrayal of modern social challenges, making it an invaluable conversation starter for families and classrooms. The story empowers young readers by showing that courage can mean walking away from a toxic group, even when it's the popular one. Children navigating their own friendships and social hierarchies will find a powerful mirror in Lyla's journey, while the clear consequences for the bullies' actions provide a reassuring sense of justice. This is a vital resource for building empathy and digital citizenship during the critical late elementary years.