My
latest book The Protectors is a tale of terror - in the
classroom.
It's the story of a new boy, Greg, who is picked by chief bully, Neil, as his next victim. Greg is bullied unmercifully - until there is a terrible accident.
Josh, an older boy, sees what happened and decides to help Greg and Neil's other victims. He forms 'The Protectors', a band of non-violent vigilantes, determined to wipe out bullying. 'The Protectors' even have their own special uniform: white shirts and thin black ties.
Can 'The Protectors' defeat Neil? Victory seems to be within their grasp, until events spiral out of control with dramatic results for everyone.
This
is a book I've wanted to write for a long time. Some of the incidents
actually happened to me. For instance, my bag, like Greg's, was
stolen. When I got it back I also found everything had been destroyed.
My ruler had been snapped into three equal bits. Every pencil and pen
was broken in half. My rubber had been cut by a knife into tiny
pieces. And every exercise book was ripped to shreds.
Yet, I never told a teacher or my parents what had happened. Now in some schools they have what is called the mentor, or 'buddy' system: so if you are being bullied you can tell an older pupil. This is an excellent idea. However, I also wonder what would happen if the older pupils decided to try and stop the bullying themselves.......
I hope The Protectors is a gripping, fast-paced thriller but it has also got some ideas in it which you might find interesting. Already a number of people have written to me about the story, especially the ending.
I have been asked so many questions that I am visiting a number of schools and libraries over the next few months. And that's very exciting for me, because one of the very best things a book can do is get people talking. A story can also show you you're not on your own: someone else has felt just as you have.
I'd love to know what you think of The Protectors. You might want to give comment, tell me about a favourite piece, or a part you discussed in class. Or perhaps you have an idea on what you think might happen next. Or maybe you've got a question of your own.
Whatever you want to say it'll be good to hear from you, and I will try and answer everyone personally.
All the best
Pete Johnson
