Taking Back Beast World, Phase 2. Disney/Pixar’s Onward comes out Mar 6 with a setting eerily close to BEAST WORLD. It’s time to speak out again–in a positive way!
Lee knows how to get into the minds of teens and produces some great YA! So happy to be here at her place today!
THE PROBLEM WITH BULLIES
by Tara Tyler
It’s hard to be a teenager, no matter when, no matter who. I started my Beast World series to inspire kids to read with antics and adventures they could relate to, but also to inspire them to have more confidence in themselves. I sign my books with some of these encouraging phrases, positive messages hidden in my stories:
- Stand up for yourself!
- Don’t let others say you can’t
- You’re stronger than you think you are
- Never give up!
BROKEN BRANCH FALLS, Beast World #1 |
What advice would you give to a victim of bullying?
Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over the US, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her husband and one boy left in the nest. She has two novel series, Pop Travel (sci-fi detective thrillers) and Beast World (fantasy adventures), plus her UnPrincess novella series where the maidens save themselves. She’s a commended blogger, contributed to several anthologies, and to fit in all these projects, she economizes her time, aka the Lazy Housewife—someday she might write a book on that… Make every day an adventure!
Author
Christine Rains says
That’s wonderful you encourage kids like that! We don’t need only more kids stepping up but adults as well.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Absolutely!
tara tyler says
Thank you all so much for your kind and encouraging words! Nice to see other teachers and folks who can relate. There will always be badness in the world, we have to not only try and stop it, but teach others how to deal with it.
And thanks so much, Lee for giving me this space at your place as well as giving me lots of shout outs. Your support is invaluable!
C. Lee McKenzie says
It has been my pleasure. You’re a great guest.
Heather R. Holden says
Great guest post! I think it’s awesome how Tara aims to inspire confidence in her books. The world definitely needs more positive encouragement like that!
C. Lee McKenzie says
This is a great reason to write, isn’t it?
Elizabeth Seckman says
I always tell kids to judge the words by the reaction. I’ve been subbing in schools and it is one of the hardest things- dealing with words and emotions. I’ve fallen into the camp of not caring what the words are, they have to stop. When I was in elementary school, a boy would constantly tell me I was pretty. On the surface, it sounded nice, but he wasn’t doing it to be nice. He knew I hated it. I told on him and every single teacher said, “Well, he’s being nice.”
So, if the receiver isn’t a fan of your words, stop saying them.
Jeff says
Thanks Tara, for your advice. Bullying has always been a problem, but the odd thing about it is that as long as the bully is our bully we don’t care—which shows a lack of moral fiber… I won’t go any further than that.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think moral fiber is hard to find these days.
Liz A. says
Bully is a term that it thrown around a lot nowadays. Any time any kiddo feels picked on, they loudly proclaim the picker is a bully. They’re talking about it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’ll bet you have some experience with this as a sub.
Beverly says
Great post and so true. Thanks.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m glad people are speaking out about the problem.
Pat Hatt says
That sounds like a great way indeed. If the middle got involved maybe it would help both sides.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Kids acting as mediators or interveners is certainly one way to manage the issue.
Jemi Fraser says
Spot on! As another teacher, I’ve spent years talking to kids about the bullying cycle and how to break out of it. Bystanders are hugely important in breaking the cycle.
C. Lee McKenzie says
We all need to step up. I’m sure you’ve had a lot of experience in your years as a teacher.
Elephants Child says
Brilliant messages there Tara. Thank you. Love the idea of encouraged the kids/people in the middle to stand up.
I hear the phrase ‘sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me’ and mentally curse. It is an out and out lie, repeated too often.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Sometimes the words are far more damaging and for a very long time.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Encouraging kids in the middle to help – now that’s a much better idea.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Kids relate to other kids so much more easily sometimes. I can see this as a very positive approach.