Fall - by James Preller (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An innovative new perspective on the tragedy of teen suicide.

The summer before school starts, Sam's friend and classmate Morgan Mallen kills herself. Morgan had been bullied. Maybe she kissed the wrong boy. Or said the wrong thing. What about that selfie that made the rounds? Morgan was this, and Morgan was that. But who really knows what happened?

As Sam explores the events leading up to the tragedy in journal format, he must face a difficult and life-changing question: Why did he keep his friendship with Morgan a secret? And could he have done something-anything-to prevent her final actions?

From James Preller, the author of Bystander, another unflinching book about bullying and its fallout.

"Preller provides a rare glimpse into the mind of a bully . . . Pair this with Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why." --Booklist

This title has Common Core connections.

Review Quotes

"With its timely, important message and engaging prose style, Sam's journal ought to find a large readership." --Kirkus Reviews

"Preller returns to themes addressed in his 2009 novel, Bystander, in an equally painful story about the aftermath of a teenager's suicide. After relentless bullying online, high school outcast Morgan Mallen throws herself off a water tower, leaving her tormentors to grapple with guilt over how they treated her. The narrative is composed of confessional journal entries written by one of Morgan's classmates, Sam Proctor... The journal format closely chronicles Sam's transformation from follower to leader, yet Preller avoids sermonizing, instead focusing on one individual's complicated process of grieving, accepting responsibility, and moving forward." --Publisher's Weekly

"A compelling look at the aftermath of bullying, from the bully's perspective. . . . Readers will relate to the teen, who's less a bully than an average guy who gives in to peer pressure and inaction. This fast-paced story will spark discussion on cyberbullying, depression, and how to deal with tragic events." --School Library Journal

"The pace is fast, yet the story unfolds slowly, one piece at a time. Readers will put this puzzle together, eager to see whether Sam ultimately accepts his role in Morgan's death, and wanting to see the whole story of what one person could have, and should have, done for Morgan." --Booklist

About the Author