Shredderman: Secret Identity
This is a story about an “average” 5th grader who decides to challenge his bully in an unconventional way – and win. Beware of unintended messages (an internet alias is involved) but otherwise an entertaining creative read. And an opportunity to engage with your child about the dangers of real and internet bullying…!
- Contemporary fiction
- Chapter books
- Series
- 7-10
- Adventures
- Family
- Feelings
- Friendship
- School
- Self-discovery
Buy this Book:
SYNOPSIS
5th grader Nolan Byrd faces a bully every day at school. Bubba Bixby is a terror to classmates, teachers and parents alike but no one seems to be able to stop him. Inspired by a class assignment, Nolan comes up with a plan to reveal Bubba’s misdeeds and get retribution. He uses disguises, spying, a hidden camera and a covert online identity – Shredderman – to catch Bubba in the act, post about it on a dedicated website, and encourage students not to take abuse. Bubba doesn’t become nicer but thanks to mysterious Shredderman, everyone gets the courage to stand up to him and defend each other.
(1st in a 4-book series)
PERFECT AGE 7 – 10
THEMES
- Bullies are scary but we can stand up to them; bullies are mean often because they are unhappy.
- Careful preparation, hard work and creativity are key to every project, even secret sneaky ones.
- Sometimes, even school principals and teachers can’t help solve all problems.
We love
- That Nolan uses his focus against a troublesome schoolmate to defend bullied friends
- That Nolan recognized how lucky he was with his family, and chose to write about his dad as his hero
- That Mr. Green plays the guitar in class, drives a van painted with dolphins and is just a little less “traditional” kind of teacher
WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):
- While the premise is engaging, the main character is endearing, and the outcome is positive, the message of this story can go wrong quick. For example, a bully revealed as such online and chastised anonymously for the full school community to witness is not far removed from an unpopular child maligned by a classmate on social media…
- Proceed with caution and perhaps use the book as an opportunity to talk about bad outcomes and the dangers of Nolan’s / Shredderman’s actions.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
- What does the word “bully” mean to you? Would you be interested in discussing how to deal with a bully?
- How could Shredderman’s secret mission have gone wrong? What could happen if he told lies about Bubba or decided to make up stories about another student?
- What else could have Mr. Green done when he found out who Shredderman was?
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