Egghead

Pignat triangulates the typical bullying story from three different perspectives: the bully, the bullied and the bystander. Will is that awkward kid. You know. The one who doesn't understand social cues. Who dresses weird. Who acts like an idiot without realising it. Katie is Will's friend, or at least the closest thing he has to one, but he doesn't make it easy. Devan is one of the gang of boys who follows Shane, the high school's prime 9th grade bully. Lewis gets on Shane and co's bully radar from day one when, in orientation, he is found in the middle of the gym, bent down staring intently at an ant. Katie tries to defend him, but no one else will come to his rescue. As the year progresses so does the bullying, until it reaches a show more tragic climax.

Written one part novel in verse for Will and in first person for both Katie and Devan, Pignat 's skillful, nuanced storytelling demonstrates how no situation is black and white. Everybody has a story we don't know about that influences the way we act. The storyline is simple and familiar, making it accessible to a young audience. However, never does Pignat let the moral of her story (which is a heady one and most definitely present) interfere with the development of her characters.

Katie is especially interesting as the bystander. She wants to help Will, but at the same time she is embarrassed by him and worried about her own reputation in the school. She doesn't always make the right choices though her heart is in the right place.

Egghead is a small but powerful book about bullying for about grade 5 to 7. I tried it with an older crowd and though they liked it, it wasn't sophisticated enough for them- the story was too typical (something that works for the younger audiences) and the moral too obvious. Still, it would be a great classroom conversation starter not only on the subject of bullying but also as an example of voice. show less

This story of a geeky kid who is bullied by Shane, a grade nine student, is told through the eyes of three people; Will Reid, the victim, whose story is all told through short, but effective prose, Katie, his friend since kindergarten, and Devan, a friend of the bully, Shane. I really enjoyed this story and used it to introduce point of view to the grade sevens. It would pair nicely with The Revealers and The Shadow Club, I think. Not too hard to read. Loved the prose pieces to give us background into Will and his thoughts.

This common storyline is told through three different point of views, the bully, the victim and the bystander. While the narration is well done, the storyline lacks anything new. Creative structure does not make up for original plot.

Pignat does a fine job showing the different perspectives surrounding the harassment of an unusual student.

I read this book at school for our theme of Bullying. I loved the book and how it was written in kinda a diary form in the perspective of 3 teens. If you are a teacher, I incourage you to read this book to your class. I think it's good for ages 12 and up. It does have course language in it BUT I think it makes the book seem more realistic because it's representing how highschool really is. If you are a teen, (12 and up) I think you schould deffinitly read this book. It demonstraits how you should stick up to bullies and help your friends in their time of need.

A boy who is different form everyone else...a perfect target for a bully.He doesn't want to tattle and get him in trouble,so what does he do?

Reviewed by Bryannie Kirk (CM Magazine, March 21, 2008, Vol. 14, No. 15)
'the issues are supported by Pignat's clear prose and sensitive treatment of the perspectives of three very different characters'

http://umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol14/no15/egghead.html