Surviving Brick Johnson

Surviving Brick Johnson

by: Laurie Myers

Myers, L., & Yaccarino, D. (2000). Surviving Brick Johnson. New York: Clarion Books.

 A child's worst nightmare is being targeted by a bully.  One day, Alex decides he is going to make fun of the big bad bully, Brick Johnson.  He is petrified because he thinks Brick is going to come after him when he least expects it.  He enrolls in karate class to make himself stronger, and is startled to see that Brick is in the same class.  Not only that, but he shows Alex respect! This story is the untold story of the bully-- the insecurities and the walls that they put up to be perceived as bad, but at heart are good.

I think this book addressing bullying with a perspective that most students are unable to understand at a young age, especially when a bully has affected their lives.  This book is well written, and easy to understand.  Most critics agree that this is a book that should not sit on the shelves, but rather be passed around to students and parents to deepen the conversation about bullying.

Banish Bullying! 4 day lesson plan