Foreword/Author's Note 1st Draft By Demitrius Hilerio Class 810

    The main social issue that becimes obvious as you read my book is bullying. If read you can also figure out there are some discrimination issues in my book as well. These are two issues that are somewhat connected because they both deal with hurting someone or a group of people mentally or physically and/or excluding them from activities. This is a huge problem in society now because people in modern times hurt themselves because others are bullying and descriminating against them. The main reason for exposing this issue in my book is to encourage bystanders to speak up for what's right. In the book "One" by Kathryn Otoshi the autor shows what good affect a bystander that stands up can have on the victim and/or sometimes even the ringleader. In the article "Dealing With Bullying" from Teens Health.org the author highlights many reasons why bullying starts and who is usually bullying others and why they feel the need to do so. These parts in the article inspired me to create characters based off of some of the suggestions in the article.
   I chose this topic because in my life I have been on all sides of a bullying situation. My personal experiences in the bullying world was never too severe no matter what side I was on. I know other people's experiences were a lot more severe physically and mentally, which really makes me angry to see that more and more people everyday are suffering because they have no one to stand up for them. While writing this book I really thought of how a real person would react in the shoes of the main character Jim. It was hard because I really had to focus on what characteristics Jim would have, so I made Jim a little naive and gentle because people usually target others that appear weak or "soft". I personally know some people who have been bullied and they tend to be very confident and strong because of their past, so I wanted to show the character change in Jim and show how strong minded he has gotten after he's overcame his insecurities and bullies. I care about this topic a lot also because I want people that have been bullied or people that are being bullied to hear my voice and know that it is okay and there is help out there you just need to find it.
    I want readers to really get a variety of messages such as the value of friends, that it's not okay to judge someone based on appearance or race, but personality, to speak up and lots more. The purpose of the book is to get young readers to understand what big of a difference they can make just by speaking to a friend about their issues. I also want young kids to undestand how bullying can affect people so they can be able to think before they speak. My suggestions to readers are to stay strong and to try and get help when in a situation like this. To prevent a situation like this in the future just try and be friends with people who you actually appreciate you for who they are and not because of who their friends are or how many friends they have.

Planning page by Demitrius Hilerio class 810 completed 1/9/15

Independent reading book critical thinking question by Demitrius Hilerio class 810