Parkland Middle School is a place the students call Darkland because no
one in it does much to stop the daily harassment of kids by kids. Three
bullied seventh graders use their smarts to get the better of their
tormentors by starting an unofficial e-mail forum at school in which
they publicize their experiences. Unexpectedly, lots of other kids come
forward to confess their similar troubles, and it becomes clear that the
problem at their school is bigger than anyone knew. But when the school
principal clamps down on the forum, the three friends come up with a new
plan that will shock everyone. "[Wilhelm] shines a harsh light on many
facets of bullying and never, even at the novel's rosiest moments,
implies that every bully is a good kid just waiting to be redeemed.
Middle-schoolers will appreciate the honesty." -- The Bulletin of the
Center for Children's Books "Books like this make [readers] feel less
alone." -- Booklist "A thought-provoking experiment about bullying and
how to handle it . . . Wilhelm poses intriguing questions about the role
computer networks can play in rebellions, kids' lives, and possibly
grander politics as well." -- Kirkus Reviews