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English Awards

		ARTHUR ELLIS AWARDS (THE CRIME WRITERS OF CANADA) FOR BEST JUVENILE CRIME NOVEL THE BECKONERS CARRIE MAC VICTORIA, B.C.: ORCA BOOK PUBLISHERS, 2004. 217 P. ISBN 1551433095 AGES 14 AND UP
The Beckoners Source

How does it feel to be a newcomer paired up for the day with the high school, number one bully? Zoe felt strongly that she had to avoid meeting again with Beck, the tormentor, and her followers, the "Beckoners" -- but to no avail. When Beck ordered her to smoke with them, Zoe followed their lead. That is how it all started.

Zoe is swept into a very disturbing spiral as she witnesses how other students are intimidated, particularly her classmate April who is tormented incessantly by Beck and her group -- they even nicknamed her "Dog." Other students witness the bullying events without intervening, out of fear or through lack of courage. The teaching staff and even parents seem oblivious to the tragedy unfolding before their eyes.

The Beckoners is a very disturbing tale of teenage bullying and the lack of involvement and courage from everyone. This novel echoes several real-life tragedies that took place in recent years; it is an eye-opener about the cruelty inflicted by bullies and the suffering endured by some kids tormented in too many Canadian schools. A must read!

-JP