New Novel Looks at the Boy Behind the Bully

A Fearful Boy Becomes a Bully in "My Life at the Bottom of the Food Chain"
By: Rich Samuels
 
 
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VALENCIA, Calif. - Sept. 12, 2013 - PRLog -- With school is back in session, Rich Samuels’ darkly funny new novel for middle grade readers, My Life at the Bottom of the Food Chain explores an important and timely question—how does a kid become a bully?

Thirteen-year-old Alexander thinks of himself as prey in a sea of predators—he’s shorter than most kids, and he believes he’s an easy target. He’s made it his business to avoid bullying at all costs, devising strategies and schedules to avoid all possible assaults, and tracks them all in a smartphone app he wrote himself.

There’s “bully swagger,” he tells his friends, and a “bully haircut.” He can even identify a bully by the clothes he wears. Alexander is convinced that he’s got everything under control, and takes pride in the fact that he’s never been pantsed or wedgied.

When Melvin, a boy on the top of his “PBL” (Possible Bully List), asks to talk to him after school, Alexander is convinced that he’s headed for a showdown, and his survival instinct moves into high gear. He’s ready for the worst, and tries to recruit his friends into his “fight for survival.”

But he’s all wrong.

Alexander’s suspicions aren’t just unfounded—they’re becoming unfair, and his growing paranoia is straining his friendships and angering his classmates. When a social studies chapter on facing fear inspires him to confront his assumed archenemy, Alexander believes he’s heading for a great victory for bullied kids everywhere. He’s in for a surprise.

“Alexander is controlled by his fears,” Samuels explains. “He has no idea he’s turning into his own worst enemy—until it’s almost too late.”

Featuring a lively cast of characters that will seem authentic to anyone “who’s been there,” My Life at the Bottom of the Food Chain is a non-stop adventure that manages to be both thought-provoking and just plain fun.

Author Rich Samuels, at various times, has been an Emmy(tm) award-winning producer, director, editor, and amateur cartoonist. He’s taught filmmaking workshops, been a news director, acted, reported, and created documentaries. He has always, however, remained a kid. This is his first novel.

My Life at the Bottom of the Food Chain is available from most online retailers in paperback and all popular ebook formats. Information on the book and the author is available at http://richsamuelsauthor.com

Review copies are available upon request.
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Source:Rich Samuels
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Tags:School, Bullies, Bully, Teen, Humor
Industry:Books, Education
Location:Valencia - California - United States
Subject:Products
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