Burn

Suzanne Phillips's "Burn" is a compelling young adult novel that tackles the urgent issue of school bullying and its most extreme consequences. It follows Cameron, a freshman who, after enduring relentless bullying, commits a violent act against another student. The book goes beyond simply depicting the event, instead delving deeply into Cameron's psychological state and the complex factors that lead to such a tragedy. Phillips challenges readers to consider the nuances of victimization and the potential danger of provocative behavior, aiming to inspire a proactive stance against bullying. While dark in subject matter, the author intends for the story to be ultimately redemptive, offering a space for crucial discussions about empathy, responsibility, and prevention for readers aged 12-18.

"Are our schools safe?" It's hard to turn on the news without hearing this question, and the answer is typically "no." This novel explores what happens when bullying escalates to violence, and it challenges our definition of victimization. With thought-provoking prose, Suzanne Phillips explores the psyche of Cameron, a bullied freshman who ultimately does the unthinkable: he kills another student. As she did with Chloe Doe, Suzanne has found a way to make this seemingly dark story ultimately redemptive. But she also dares readers to look at the behavior that provokes violence as having the potential to be as dangerous as the violence itself. It's Suzanne's hope that Burn will inspire readers to take a precautionary stance against bullying rather than waiting to react to it.