ON YOUR SIDE
An anti-bullying novel about Carlton, a 15-year-old, who after the death of his mother goes to live with his uncle Ricky. The two seem to have nothing in common. Carlton is an unathletic computer gamer who wants to go through life unnoticed. And Ricky, a recently retired hockey mega-star who desperately wants to find a way back into the limelight.
When Carlton starts at the prestigious Delis School, he becomes prey to the school’s bullies. Ricky wants his nephew to transfer to a new school. However, Carlton won’t leave. He has met Emily, a free-spirited Goth student that he has fallen for, and like him, she too is bullied by the other students. To Carlton, being with her is more important than anything the bullies can dish out.
HOW ON YOUR SIDE SPEAKS TO TEENS FACING PEER BULLYING
BULLYING CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE: Like many students who are loners at school, the protagonist, Carlton, and his girlfriend, Emily, are brutally bullied by other students. However, On Your Side goes even further. When Carlton’s uncle Ricky, a former megastar hockey player, takes a sports commentator job, he is repeatedly humiliated on live TV by his colleagues. The take-home message is unmistakable: if even someone like Ricky isn’t immune to being bullied, then truly anyone can fall victim.
SPEAK UP: Carlton is convinced that there aren't any adults who could actually help him out with his situation. This belief and his attempt to handle the abuse alone nearly cost him his life. The message to all teens is that if you are being bullied or harassed in any way, you should bring an adult into the situation.
YOU’RE NOT A COWARD: At the end of the book, Carlton has an epiphany. He finally realizes he is not the coward he convinced himself he was. He is simply a non-violent person seeking a non-violent solution. The book demonstrates that matching violence or stooping to an oppressor's tactics is unnecessary.
“We read to discover that we are not alone,” - William Nicholson, Shadowlands. Knowing we are not alone in our struggles is an enormous part of reading. The aim of On Your Side is to let bullied teens know they’re not alone and that there are ways to overcome the challenges they face.
PRAISE FOR ON YOUR SIDE
“Wise masterfully blends young love, student conflict, and family drama in this novel.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“On Your Side masterfully portrays Carlton’s struggle against adversity at his new prep school. Facing challenges from every corner, he finds strength in unexpected friendships and personal resilience. A compelling narrative of courage. It truly was an unforgettable read.”
—Vicky Van Fradenburgh, Book Blogger
"On Your Side tackles bullying with powerful, non-violent solutions. A must-read for young adults."—Josephine Sorrell, Librarian & Book Reviewer“This had everything that I was looking for from a young adult novel, the characters felt like realistic people, and I enjoyed the way they worked in the plot. Dennis Wise has a great writing style.”
—Kathryn McLeer, Reviewer (Netgalley ★★★★★)
“I absolutely love how this book raises awareness on bullying. As someone who had dealt with it myself, I can relate so much, and I think this book will help many.”
—Jill Speedman, Reviewer (Netgalley ★★★★★)