The Bully Book: A Novel

What is The Bully Book? Part mystery, part tragedy, part comedy. Originally self-published as an ebook by a member of Team Starkid, The Bully Book is now available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook editions. The paperback includes a Q&A with the author.

Eric Haskins, the new sixth-grade bully target, is searching for answers. And unlike many of us who experienced something awful growing up, he finds them. Though they may not be what he expected.

When the author was eleven, he was bullied. This book is loosely based on incidents that happened to him in sixth grade.

The Bully Book is a Top Ten Indie Next List pick of 2013, and Publishers Weekly called The Bully Book a "gripping debut novel."

Eric thinks he’s just a target. He doesn’t know he’s part of a plan.

• A Secret Manual: A mysterious book is being passed down through the grades, teaching bullies how to rule the school and choose their next target.
• Sixth-Grade Social Order: When his best friend turns on him and the whole class follows, Eric realizes the rules of friendship have changed—and he’s at the bottom.
• Unlikely Allies: To solve the mystery of "The Grunt," Eric must team up with past victims, each with their own piece of the puzzle.
• Reluctant Hero: Eric never wanted to be a hero, but to take back his life, he’ll have to find the book and rewrite the rules of the game himself.

You've been chosen to receive THE BOOK.
I bet you have questions.
Why does a joke sound funny coming from one kid and stupid from another?
Why do some kids eat alone while others are rolling in friends?

When the author was eleven, he was bullied. He wrote this book so it might not happen to someone else.

The Bully Book is for the Grunts.

Open if you dare. . . .

“[A] gripping debut novel...a layered and attention-grabbing mystery. Gale’s accounts of bullying are subtle and chilling, but readers will finish the book believing that the humiliations Eric suffers can be conquered.” - Publishers Weekly

“A compelling and unusual look at a complex and intractable problem that succeeds admirably as story as well.” - Kirkus Reviews

“[F]ast paced, with strong character voice in the writing...Great for discussion.” - School Library Journal