James Thomas
Information about bullying has become more and more accessible. A bully is mean, scary, intimidating,and sometimes hard to avoid. A bully uses strength, power, or influence to intimidate others. Every child who experiences physical, verbal, social, racial, or even cyber bullying needs to know what to do and how to deal with it. Bullying is in our streets, jobs, school system and in our homes - appearing privately and publicly. An exampleof a healthy coping mechanism that allows those who experience bullying to overcome depression, anxiety, and emotional trauma is playing sports.This story is centered around Kevin, a quiet and shy kid who experiences bullying at home, in school, and on his basketball team. Kevin has to overcome his fears, self-esteem and other issues to make it through his first year at Lincoln Junior High School. Kevin’s goal is to gain enough courage to help himself understand how to deal with his emotions around his physical appearance through basketball and discovering his personal support team. By using sports to deal with his anxiety, trauma, embarrassment, and being different, Kevin sets a healthy example for others to follow. In the this story, the reader will take on this emotional journey with Kevin and reflect on their own experiences by answering a series of comprehension questions after each 'Quarter.'
