Destroying Avalon by Kate McCaffrey

Bullying happens in every school. Some schools are effective in dealing with it; others are not. It can range from the obvious – schoolyard teasing, hitting, and accidental tripping – to the less obvious but no less traumatizing: cyber-bulling. Using phones and the Internet, the bullies taunt, threaten, and spread obscene rumors, confident that their identities won't be discovered. For some, the constant victimization is too much, and they are driven to consider suicide.

This is what happens to Avalon Maloney. Reluctantly agreeing to move to Perth, Australia, where her mother has a new job as a math teacher, Avalon hopes it won't be so bad. However, she couldn't be more wrong. From the first day, she is targeted by cyberbullies through chat rooms and online message boards, where rumors are spread about her social and private life. She soon comes to hate her new phone, which constantly beeps, announcing more obscene messages.

Her only support comes from friends, all outcasts too. They treat her with respect and kindness, supporting her through the toughest days, despite being targets themselves. Marshall, one of the group, is always so positive and full of life that Avalon is drawn to him. As the vicious attacks increase, she begins to question whether anyone is safe from bullies.

I loved this book. It's insightful and disturbing at times, but sadly it's a very accurate portrayal of a bullying victim's life and the relief of finally speaking out and ending the torment. The story is told in first person and is totally believable. Bullying is not going to go away if we ignore it. This book reminds readers that if you are being bullied, someone will always help you.