Scrawl by Mark Shulman

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Truman Nominee

Scrawl by Mark Shulman

234 pages

Tod is a bully who is spending a month of detentions with his guidance counselor writing in a journal (it's not a journal, it's a notebook.) There are no instructions, just to sit there and write. Scrawl is Tod's notebook, along with a few remarks from his counselor. Tod is very honest about his being a bully, and why he does the things he does. But as he reveals more about himself in his writing, he is able to do better for those around him.

This book on one hand is uplifting and on the other hand very sorrowful. Tod truly does try to be a better person in some regards, opening up to his stepfather and Luz, the artsy girl putting on the school play. But at every turn people do let him down. Like his favorite teacher hiding the spelling bee from him. Tod is the best speller, but not the image the teacher wants on t.v.  Teachers automatically assume he is up to no good even though he is on the honor roll every time. This is a great read for any bully, any one who has ever been bullied...and a great message that writing can sometimes change your whole world. Love, love, loved this book.