Thirteen year-old Abby and her father have just moved from a leaky old sailboat in California to an inherited mansion in South Carolina, and Abby does not fit in. This is the story of the summer adventures she shares with new best friend, Hollis, and two boys from their class. But when school begins, Abby is shocked to learn that Hollis is a bullied outcast…who, pushed to the limit, takes her own life—a phenomenon known as bullycide. Told as a thirty-year flashback, BFF attempts to portray the loss felt by those left behind.
“I’ll summarize this story by saying something you already know if you’ve read this far. It’s a subject that makes me angry. It’s a shame that some people get their jollies by picking on others. And yet, this book and others like it need to be written and read. It’s an uncomfortable subject that needs to be recognized. If even one kid reads this and doesn’t make the mistakes made here, this book is worth everything.”
- Our Town Book Reviews
“This book is also filled with many enjoyable LOL moments!! I loved the Dolly Parton references, especially Abby’s dad’s yard sale t-shirt, or really all of his amusing outfits lol!!”
- Fabulous and Brunette
“Lindsey Bell tells this story from the heart and it shows! The thoughts and feelings of thirteen-year-olds are spot-on. The writing is exceptional and the pace flows perfectly. From the slow, meandering feel of South Carolina in the summer, to the trials of middle school, this book draws you in and doesn’t let you go.”
- Gina Rae Mitchell
“Wow. There's just so much going on in this book, and I loved it all. It absolutely made my heart ache, but covers some really important themes for young adult readers. There were moments that warmed my heart, and ones that brought tears to my eyes. A few times I had to just set the book down and take a few deep breaths to ground myself because I got so into the story, and so attached to the characters.”
-Liliyana, The faerie review
REVIEWS:
- Fifth-grader Addison Welsh, Novels Alive
“5 Stars!”
- Readers’ Favorite
“BFF: A Story About Bullycide touches on the perils of teen depression, bullying, and suicide. Told in Bell’s lyrical and unique voice, this story is a compelling read for teens and parents of teens.”
- Leigh Medeiros, Author of The 1-Minute Writer
“Both adult and teen readers will be moved by this poignant story and find it a valuable resource in discussing and countering bullying.”
- BookLife
“As a mom I was concerned about the appropriateness for my children, but upon completion of BFF found myself wanting all kids to read this to understand the gravity of their actions. Bell takes a subject that can be controversial and weaves a beautiful story. You will fall in love with the main character and be immersed in every page. I would recommend this book to everyone—adults and children alike!”
- Anneliese Tomlinson, CFI and mother of two teenagers
Lindsey G.P. Bell is a writer living in Los Angeles. In addition to BFF: A Story About Bullycide, she has completed drafts of seven children’s books, a novella, and three non-fiction volumes detailing her Alaska expeditions.
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