The Truth about Truman School

Plot Summary

They just wanted to tell the truth.

When Zebby and Amr create the website thetruthabouttruman.com, they want it to be honest. They want it to be about the real Truman Middle School, to say things that the school newspaper would never say, and to give everyone a chance to say what they want to say, too.

But given the chance, some people will say anything—anything to hurt someone else. And when rumors about one popular student escalate to cruel new levels, it's clear the truth about Truman School is more harrowing than anyone ever imagined.

Awards

2012-2013 Iowa Teen Award Master List

Reviews

"Small icons, such as a crown for social queen Hayley and a reporter’s notebook for Zebby, appear at the beginning of each narrative, helping to keep the multiple voices distinct...particularly timely and relevant..." Booklist

Told from multiple perspectives as a compilation of the points of view of all involved, this is an exercise in ethics and morality, particularly pertinent given the power of the Internet....this is a realistic portrayal of the negative influence of bullying, cliques, and peer pressure as they might affect tweens inside and outside the online world." Kirkus Reviews

"Butler empowers the young by giving them voices. While at the end some of the teens fail to grasp how their own actions contributed to the problem, others--like Zebby, Amr, and even Lilly--understand all to well and consequently learn and grow from the experience."
Children's Literature

"The story moves at a good pace and the timely subject of cyberbullying will be relevant to readers. The language is accessible and the students' voices ring true. This thought-provoking read is sure to initiate discussion."
School Library Journal

Associated Keywords
bullying, cyber, cyberbullying, internet, online, bully, computer, harass, popular,