Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain

Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain. Trevor Romain. Free Spirit Publishing, c.1997. 112 pages.

Summary:

“The alarm clock buzzes and you slowly crawl out of bed. Another school day, and you’re miserable. For the past few weeks, a kid in your class has been picking on you, pushing you when the teacher isn’t looking, calling you “Dog Breath” (or worse), making you do embarrassing things, and generally getting on your nerves” (Romain, 1997, p.1).

Trevor Romain knows that bullies are a pain (in the brain!) and wants tweens to know what to do when confronted by one. His book Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain offers tweens serious, practical suggestions for coping with bullies blended with humor. The book includes cartoon-like illustrations, quizzes, and advice organized into tween-friendly bullet-pointed lists. It also includes resources for additional help.

Review/personal thoughts:

Trevor Romain’s Bullies Are a Pain in the Brain is an excellent resource for tweens who would like to “bully-proof” themselves. Romain emphasizes two points that I think it’s very important for tweens who are being bullied to understand. The first is “you’re not alone.” “Other kids in your school or neighborhood are probably dealing with bully problems similar to yours” (Romain, 1997, p.2). As bullied tweens might feel alone or isolated, it’s crucial that they recognize that many of their peers experience the same problems they do. Romain encourages his readers to speak up about their situation, rather than treat it as a shameful secret. The second important point Romain makes is “it’s not your fault.” “You’re not doing the bullying. Someone else is. You didn’t ask to be bullied. Someone else decided to bully you,” (Romain, 1997, p.2) he says. Romain makes it clear that you have done nothing to invite bullying upon yourself. If you are being bullied, it’s the result of a decision someone else has made.

Reading level: ages 8-12