Kara (11 years old) sent me this really terrific story she wrote about bullying. Her story is called “Stand Up!” After I read her story I thought it had a really great message and I asked Kara if I could post it. Kara said she would like that “because then kids can see the effect of bullying, and how to stop it.” Kara also said, “I wrote the story for fun, and also to understand bullying more, because I feel like I understand it when I write it.”
Here is a part of “Stand Up”-
“Hey!” Lola yelled from across the gym.
“Hey.” I half-heartedly replied.
She walked over as I was just tapping on the bench.
“C’mon, we’re playing dodgeball. I’m the captain!”
We were outside, free gym.
“Nah thanks.”
She sat down on the bench I was sitting on. She looked at me with a concerned and worried look.
“Why are you so sad?”
It wasn’t the first time she could practically read my mind. Every time I showed my emotions a tiny bit, one small look of despair, she could read my face.
“I… I can’t explain. I don’t know where to start.”
“Well… how about when I can understand it?”
I sat down. I was about to answer, when I burst into tears. They rolled down my cheek and splashed on my lap.
“Oh, Lola!” I exclaimed between sobs. Lola was sympathetic. She hugged me and helped me calm down.
“Okay. Now, start from the beginning.” Her voice was soft and smooth, and especially calming.
“Okay. It started about a month ago.” How could I forget that day?
You can download the whole story by clicking Stand Up!
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Categories: Creative Kids
Wow, Erik, thanks so much for posting this, it actually had me in tears. Kara has written a strong, authentic, encouraging story about bullying and standing up to the bullies. Please thank her for such a powerful story and I hope many kids get to read this important message!
I will tell her the message! I emailed her to tell her to look at the comments 😉
Ditto Joanna! How great that Kara is doing what she can to help kids understand about bullying. If people keep trying, maybe some day it won’t be a problem.
I like that “If people keep trying, maybe some day it won’t be a problem”! That’s a nice message too!
Sounds like a good story Erik. Well done to Kara.
I have no time for bullies.
Thanks! I think it is a really good story!
Oh, Kara, why didn’t I think of this!? 🙂 Great idea bringing this one to readers, Erik. I loved Kara’s story! It was really powerful.
I agree it has a powerful message! I’m glad you liked it! 🙂
Erik, you are such an inspiration for young writers. I love that you are already discovering new writers.
I am really happy Kara sent the story to me! I just had another kid send a story that I’ll post soon 🙂
Thanks, Erik, for bringing this story to my attention. Kara does a wonderful job driving home an important message. Thanks again.
Thank you Mr. Davis! I’m glad you liked the story!
Kara, I read the entire story — it was that good. Wished I thought of a story like that. It is so authentic. Very powerful. I hope you do something with it. Very inspiring.
Thanks Ms. Tilton! I thought it sounded like something that can really happen too. Kara is a great writer!
I’m sending you a link to The Plum Tree Writer’s site, of which I’m a member. They have launched a Youth Tube, which is designed to feature artistic and writing talent for kids under 12 years. Thought of you, Josie and your friend. If you can’t access this, I have it published on my FB. http://ontheplumtree.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/youth-tube-is-launched-and-its-covered-in-sunshine/
Thanks Ms. Tilton! I am going to check it out!
Thank you Erik, for posting this. Thanks also to Kara for writing it. It is so important to keep giving the message over and over that bullying must stop.
It is very, very, very, very important to repeatedly tell kids to not do bullying and to stop it!
Kara, I also read your entire story. Your writing is beautiful, strong, and compelling. Keep it up and thank you for your empowering message!
I agree Ms. Holt!
kara sounds wise beyond her years writing like this, it is beautifully written.
I think she is:
1. very, very, very wise beyond her age
&
2. an awesome writer!
🙂
Thank you to everyone! I am smiling so much at your positive comments. I’m going to try to stop bullying as much as I can, and I hope this story inspired you to do that too!
Thank you very much for sending me this story! It’s really great!
Erik 🙂
Powerful story Kara. Thanks for sharing it Erik.
I’m glad you like it Ms. Jensen!
Thank you so much for sharing this powerful story Erik. This story is amazing and important. Congratulations Kara for sharing this story.
I’m glad you read Kara’s story! I thought it was really great!
What a powerful story Kara wrote. Very moving. Sorry I thought I had commented earlier Erik. I had seen this and read her story, but it was lovely to read it again. She is very good.
Kara is very talented! I hope she writes more stories! Thanks Ms. Tulloch! 🙂