Today’s review is part of the official blog tour for Posted by John David Anderson. Keep reading for more about the book, the blog tour & your chance to win a copy!
From John David Anderson, author of the acclaimed Ms. Bixby’s Last Day, comes a humorous, poignant, and original contemporary story about bullying, broken friendships, and the failures of communication between kids. In middle school, words aren’t just words. They can be weapons. They can be gifts. The right words can win you friends or make you enemies. They can come back to haunt you. Sometimes they can change things forever.
When cell phones are banned at Branton Middle School, Frost and his friends Deedee, Wolf, and Bench come up with a new way to communicate: leaving sticky notes for each other all around the school. It catches on, and soon all the kids in school are leaving notes—though for every kind and friendly one, there is a cutting and cruel one as well.
In the middle of this, a new girl named Rose arrives at school and sits at Frost’s lunch table. Rose is not like anyone else at Branton Middle School, and it’s clear that the close circle of friends Frost has made for himself won’t easily hold another. As the sticky-note war escalates, and the pressure to choose sides mounts, Frost soon realizes that after this year, nothing will ever be the same.
I think what I loved most about this book is how perfectly and beautifully Anderson captures the fluidity and rapidly changing nature of our lives and friendships over the course of Middle School. It’s that awkward period between childhood and adolescence — when we’re trying to decide who we are and who we want to be; how we want to define ourselves as we begin growing up.
In particular, Posted tackles the changing nature of friendships — which is particularly notable in middle school, I think. He deftly and lovingly shows the pain and struggle of witnessing change, coping with change, and – ultimately – accepting it. Friendships come and go throughout our lives, but I think there’s something particularly deeply emotional about the friendships we gain and lose during middle school – given the volatile nature of that age.
Posted also deals with the cruelty that can be experienced in middle school — and the consequences of both witnessing, doling out, and experiencing that cruelty. But as much as the bullying is a key part of this book, Anderson also shows that kids can also be kind — and Posted acts as a reminder both of this kindness, and why we should always strive for kindness.
Look for Posted in stores May 2nd.
John David Anderson is the author of Ms. Bixby’s Last Day, Sidekicked, Minion, and The Dungeoneers. A dedicated root beer connoisseur and chocolate fiend, he lives with his wife, two kids, and perpetually whiny cat in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can visit him online at www.johndavidanderson.org
This photo is described by the author as “John David Anderson right after he survived Middle School.”
Thanks to our friends at Walden Pond Press, we are giving one lucky winner a copy of Posted.
In the book, a sticky note “war” ensues at the school — but the better side of most students prevails when they use the sticky notes to compliment a classmate.
So for this contest, tell us in the comments below one of the best compliments you’ve ever received. Then fill out the Rafflecopter form to complete your entry and earn more chances to win. Contest is open to the U.S. only and runs through midnight (PT) on Friday, May 5th.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js
April 17
Librarian’s Quest
Walden Media Tumblr
April 18
Nerdy Book Club
April 19
For Those About to Mock
April 20
Teach Mentor Texts
April 21
Unleashing Readers
April 22
Next Best Book
April 23
Bluestocking Thinking
April 24
Litcoach Lou
Book Monsters
April 25
Kirsti Call
April 26
Educate-Empower-Inspire-Teach
April 27
The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia
Ms Yingling Reads
April 28
Maria’s Melange
Novel Novice
April 29
The Hiding Spot
April 30
This Kid Reviews Books
Novel Novice 
The best compliments come from my students. Elementary students speak so truly from the heart. One of the best I got from a student was, “You are the best teacher I ever had.” The student was only a first grader and only had one other teacher before me in his lifetime, but it was still a great compliment! I can’t wait to read Posted!
Aww, I love that!
That my smile cheers a room up.
That im good at my job.
You are great to talk to when I’m having a problem.
That I am thoughtful and sweet.
You make me feel welcome.
God makes no mistakes!
My best compliment was the school librarian at the school I worked at told me that I was a breath of fresh air and my smile is contagious. She was impressed that I always smile.
the best compliment i have recieved is being told i have a nice smile
love it
that I am rasing a well behaved child.
Last year, I had a mild stroke. It left minimal damage, but I still had some challenges with walking, speaking, and using my left hand. In addition to my regular physical and occupational therapy, I pushed myself as hard as I could. Just 2 months after the stroke, I participated in the Relay For Life with Doctor’s and Physical therapist’s consent. They both thought I MIGHT make it 2 miles- I walked 9.3 miles. When my PT guy heard about it, his comment was that if all of his clients were as determined and persistent as I am, that he would be out of a job in no time.
I took that as a great compliment!
I am a substitute teacher so this looks like a book I would enjoy
You are one of the best substitutes I have ever had.
From my kids that they were proud of me
You are a lovely and wonderful woman who has made my life more interesting- My husband.