Welcome to the tour for Battle of the Bullies by Fenyx Blue! This is one that is going to stay with me for a while. Today I'm sharing with you an excerpt from the book as well as my thoughts. Be sure to follow the tour to read what other people thought as well, and leave questions and comments along the way. Best of luck entering the giveaway!
Ebony, Eris, and Emani Robertson have been through so much more than most high school freshman. When they were younger, they survived a school shooting that killed their friend and left their sister unable to speak. After giving home-schooling a try, they enroll in a promising new academy, hoping for the best. Unfortunately, they get the worst news. They have become the targets of an anonymous group of bullies who call themselves The Dimes. Can they bring down The Dimes all while trying to make it through the ninth grade?
Read an excerpt:
An Excerpt from Ebony
This week, my anonymous school survey seems to be a complete success. I’ve walked around the school visiting homerooms, telling them my story. Most of them somewhat know about my old school’s bombings. I answer their questions and offer a few of my best ideas for making changes at this school. School safety may be my platform. I haven’t fully decided.
The students have responded to my one-question survey in large numbers. The only question I asked is this: “If you could change one thing about this school, what would it be?” Replies can be anonymous, and are confidential.
Long lunch lines—Why do upperclassmen go first? —Anonymous
Theft—They stole my inhaler. I could have died from an asthma attack. —Anonymous
Lies—I have never had plastic surgery—I am not even done growing yet. Why would I need liposuction or any kind of work done on my lips, nose, or assets? No more lies, please. —Anonymous
Fees—I had to pay for books that someone else ruined! —Anonymous.
Rumors—They planted roaches in my locker, and everyone saw them crawl out. I was humiliated. I may not be live in a mansion, but we don’t have ROACHES! —Anonymous
Favoritism—I may not be a millionaire’s kid or have a famous last name, but I deserve the same education—even from student teachers. —Anonymous
Teasing—Everyone says I smell bad! —Anonymous
Confidentiality—They told everyone I had to cut my hair because I had lice. I’m sure I didn’t tell anyone but the nurse about that! She should be fired! —Anonymous
Peer Pressure!!! —Anonymous
Bullying—Check the internet . . . you’re on there, too. Sorry. —Anonymous
Gangs . . . oops, I mean the Dimes. —Anonymous
As I look through the rest of the surveys, one name continuously appears: Dimes.
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**My thoughts**
I was absolutely blown away by this book. I adore the three triplets, Ebony, Eris, and Emani. Each one of them has her own distinct personality and each is a strong young woman, even in the face of adversity and unspeakable tragedy. I admire their resilience and determination to fight against the Dimes and injustice. I realized at the end of the story that there is a book that came before this one and I am going to have to get that one soon to check out as well.
Fear not, even though there is a book before this one, this completely works as a standalone story.
I actually think it would be amazing turned into a Netflix series or something like that. You have enough of the real world problems of school shootings, bullying, dating, sports, and more, with just a little added drama that makes it perfect for the screen. Fenyx Blue also makes every one of her characters come alive and jump right off of the page, so there is plenty to work with. Many times when characters as similar as triplets take turns telling a story, it can be confusing who is narrating without checking the chapter heading. But I didn't have to worry about that with this book, because each character truly had her own authentic voice.
I think that a lot of young adult readers will be able to relate to a lot of this book, even if the Dimes are maybe a bit more exaggerated than what you typically see in the schools. And honestly, a lot of what they do is unfortunately too commonplace today. Most readers will not have access to the same supplies and methods to take down the bullies, but I think they will be inspired, nonetheless, to work on tackling the problems at their own schools. You could use this as a discussion launchpad with teens.
This story is going to stay with me for a while. I often read books in one sitting, but this one I had to stretch out a bit more. I was completely engrossed in it, but then also needed a break on occasion because it was an intense story. But that's completely up my alley when it comes to books. Like I said, I am planning on seeking out the other books in this series and will likely read this one again at some point. It really was well done.
Thank you to the author and Goddess Fish for fulfilling my review request. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
BLUE: Bold, Loving, Unapologetic, and Evolving are words to describe Fenyx Blue. Ms. Blue is an author, Youtuber (FENYX BLUE INK), speaker, ministry leader, mentor, instructional coach and her school district’s former “Those Who Excel” Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Blue is a soldier in the Blue Fenyx movement encouraging every phoenix in the world to rise up. Blue’s mission is to inspire, motivate and educate. Blue speaks to audiences about their purpose and power and works to coach other authors through their journey to become published.
Her novels are tools for teachers while being candy for students. Fenyx Blue has penned four books in her poetic collection in which she shares true life tales and lessons: Her first Young Adult novel entitled Who Failed Johnny? (Book 1 of The Triplet Trilogy), second YA novel Battle of the Bullies, a Children’s book called Worth the Weight: A Rare Gem, and a Poetry Book by the name of The Blue Ink Movement. With the help of her extended family and friends network, her self-published books will touch many lives this year.
Ms. Blue is a veteran English Teacher who has worked with readers K-12. However, her expertise lies with middle school and high school students which she has mentored, taught, and coached for almost twenty years. Blue created an organization called Team BFF (Team Bully-Free Forever) and has served as its coach for more than ten years. Her students have partnered with other schools, marched, and provided education on bullying. In addition, Blue directs a youth anti-drug program called Snowflake that helps students to solve problems, build relationships and make positive choices. She created an organization called Dads Rock to bring father figures into her school system to develop relationships with students in order to build their confidence and competence in school.
When Fenyx realized her school did not have an activity for spoken word artists, Blue sponsored a poetry club of junior high students that went on to the final rounds of “The Louder Than a Bomb” competition. Her school has now expanded that club to reach all creative young people and to allow them to share their gifts. With the support of other educators, she developed DIVAS (Daughters Inspiring Values and Sisterhood) to build bonds between middle and high school girls and prepare them to be productive citizens.
Ms. Fenyx Blue lovingly refers to her squad as neighbors on her YouTube channel @Fenyx Blue Ink because she believes we are all connected in some way. One of her goals is to transform into the best version of herself as she helps others to realize their destinies. Ms. Blue is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and loves to travel, learn, garden, and read. Ms. Blue is currently working on finalizing Book III of The Triplet Trilogy before moving on to a work of nonfiction for teachers. Follow Fenyx Blue @FenyxBlueInk on all Social Media platforms.
Website for Ms. Fenyx Blue:
https://fenyxblueink.wixsite.com/website Battle of the Bullies
https://amzn.to/31TVLNa A group of upstanders versus a gang of bullies.
Worth the Weight
https://amzn.to/33U2WXc A Christian dad expressing his love for his daughter and the song he sings to teach her to love herself.
Who Failed Johnny?
https://amzn.to/2U5stXS A troubled, mentally unhealthy young man who is dealing with bullying while battling problems at home and the friendships he develops along the way.
The Blue Ink Movement
https://amzn.to/312C4Cj A bold, loving, unapologetic and evolving collection of inspirational, motivational and educational poems about women, education, culture, relationships, and spirituality.
The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner and a $5 Starbucks GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
