New Novel Looks at Online "Trolling"

It's Boy vs. Haters in Just Released Comedic Novel, "Own the Scrawny"
By: Rich Samuels
 
Own the Scrawny
Own the Scrawny
LOS ANGELES - Jan. 7, 2015 - PRLog -- In Rich Samuels’ new novel for young adults, Own the Scrawny, thirteen-year-old Alexander becomes the target of online trolls after a brief, embarrassing moment in school becomes a viral video.

Suddenly, millions can view his humiliation, and thousands are posting their ridicule. Some say he's weird, odd, or a loser; others are more threatening, or wonder if he can possibly be real. While his friends tell him to ignore the trolls, Alexander’s first reaction is complete and utter panic. With so many people making such horrible comments, he's sure of just one thing—he’s got to prove them wrong.

Though told with humor, Samuels’ novel focuses on a real challenge facing kids just becoming part of a larger online community. They’re a perfect target for trolls, who in turn have a single goal: to make their lives miserable.

Twelve-year-old YouTuber "DrewDudeTV," who portrays Alexander on the cover of Own the Scrawny, has seen trolls post comments on his channel. “I’ve had a couple of people tell me to go kill myself” simply for making funny videos, then returning to ask, “Why haven’t you killed yourself yet?” Thankfully, Drew has tech-savvy parents and older brothers with extensive YouTube experience, so he knows not to care about the haters. Many kids don't have that advantage.

Own the Scrawny is all about perspective,” Samuels explains. “Alexander becomes obsessed with the opinions of strangers, and tries desperately to transform himself to please people he doesn’t know. He forgets, at first, that the people closest to him—friends and family—accept him as-is. Trolls aren’t worth a second thought.”

Own the Scrawny is the second book in the “Alexander Adventures” series. It’s available, along with the first book, My Life at the Bottom of the Food Chain, from all major online retailers in paperback or e-book format. For more information and resources, visit http://richsamuelsauthor.com.

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Source:Rich Samuels
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Tags:School, Cyberbullying, Trolling, Middle School, Youtube, Trolls, Family
Industry:Books, Education, Family
Location:Los Angeles - California - United States
Subject:Products
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