Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying
Emily Bazelon has written a timely groundbreaking book on bullying, its root problems and real-world solutions. Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy defines what bullying is and, just as important, what it is not.
Bazelon explores when intervention is essential and when kids should be given the freedom to fend for themselves. She also dispels persistent myths: that girls bully more than boys, that online and in-person bullying are entirely distinct, that bullying is a common cause of suicide, and that harsh criminal penalties are an effective deterrent. Above all, she believes that to deal with the problem, we must first understand it.
No writer is better poised to explore this territory than Emily Bazelon, who has established herself as a leading voice on the social and legal aspects of teenage drama. In Sticks and Stones, she brings readers on a deeply researched, clear-eyed journey into the ever-shifting landscape of teenage meanness and its sometimes devastating consequences. The result is an indispensable book that takes us from school cafeterias to courtrooms to the offices of Facebook, the website where so much teenage life, good and bad, now unfolds.
Some early reviews:
“Thoughtful and moving, incisive and provocative, Sticks and Stones is essential reading for any educator trying to negotiate the minefield of bullying. Packed with valuable advice, the book brings a welcome dose of sanity to an often overheated national discussion.”—Paul Tough, author of How Children Succeed
“Beautifully written and tenaciously reported, Sticks and Stones is a serious, important book that reads like a page-turner. Emily Bazelon is a gifted writer, and this powerful work is sure to place childhood bullying at the heart of the national conversation—right where it belongs.”—Susan Cain, author of Quiet
“Emily Bazelon is doing the most honest, hard-hitting investigative work on bullying in America today. Sticks and Stones is a page-turner, combining compelling personal stories, rigorous reporting and practical advice for parents and educators. Read it: It’s essential.”—Rachel Simmons, author of Odd Girl Out
“Finally! In remarkably clear and friendly prose, Emily Bazelon dives into a difficult, complex topic and emerges with a wise, deeply nuanced, and practical guide to a subject that has us all confused.”— Wendy Mogel, Ph.D, author of The Blessing of a Skinned Knee
“Once in a while a book comes around that deeply illuminates a complex and stubborn problem and convinces you that something can be done about it. Emily Bazelon has written such a book about bullying. She has listened carefully and astutely to children and knows how to tell their stories. She is a remarkably compelling, evocative writer. She has keen insights about how to deal with bullying which, contrary to what many Americans think, imperils huge numbers of children. She understands law and policy and she shares an array of clear-eyed and wise solutions that will be useful for educators, parents and anyone else who cares about children. Sticks and Stones is a terrific book.”—Richard Weissbourd, Harvard psychologist and author of The Parents We Are Meant To Be
“Emily Bazelon’s writing always stands out for its intelligence, in-depth reporting, and fresh perspective. Those stellar qualities shine through Sticks and Stones, which takes a brave and highly personal look at the thorny and persistent problem of school bullying. Her book sparks compassion, and will undoubtedly lead to a smarter, more nuanced discussion.”—Judith Warner, author of Perfect Madness
Emily Bazelon also wrote the recent New York Times Magazine feature story entitled The Price of a Stolen Childhood which highlights the Marsh Law Firm’s advocacy for victims of child pornography.
Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy can be purchased at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Audible.com
For the schedule of Emily Bazelon’s book tour, visit her calendar of events and follow her on Facebook.
Emily’s book was featured on the front page of the New York Times Book Review. Plus here’s a podcast of her talking about the book.