Hello, lovelies!! It gives me great pleasure today to host Ms. Fenyx Blue and her inspiring new book, “Battle of the Bullies,” here on FAB!! For other stops on her Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tour, please click on the banner above or any of the images in this post.
Be sure to make it to the end of this post to enter to win either a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card OR a $5 Starbucks Gift Card!! Yep – that’s right!! There will be TWO lucky winners!! Also, come back daily to interact with Fenyx Blue and to increase your chances of winning!!
Thanks for stopping by!! Wishing you all lots of good luck in this fabulous giveaway!!
Battle of the Bullies
by Fenyx Blue
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GENRE: Young Adult Contemporary
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BLURB:
Ebony, Eris, and Emani Robertson have been through so much more than most high school freshman. When they were younger, they survived a school shooting that killed their friend and left their sister unable to speak. After giving home-schooling a try, they enroll in a promising new academy, hoping for the best. Unfortunately, they get the worst news. They have become the targets of an anonymous group of bullies who call themselves The Dimes. Can they bring down The Dimes all while trying to make it through the ninth grade?
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EXCERPT THREE:
An Excerpt from Ebony:
This week, my anonymous school survey seems to be a complete success. I’ve walked around the school visiting homerooms, telling them my story. Most of them somewhat know about my old school’s bombings. I answer their questions and offer a few of my best ideas for making changes at this school. School safety may be my platform. I haven’t fully decided.
The students have responded to my one-question survey in large numbers. The only question I asked is this: “If you could change one thing about this school, what would it be?” Replies can be anonymous, and are confidential.
Long lunch lines—Why do upperclassmen go first? —Anonymous
Theft—They stole my inhaler. I could have died from an asthma attack. —Anonymous
Lies—I have never had plastic surgery—I am not even done growing yet. Why would I need liposuction or any kind of work done on my lips, nose, or assets? No more lies, please. —Anonymous
Fees—I had to pay for books that someone else ruined! —Anonymous.
Rumors—They planted roaches in my locker, and everyone saw them crawl out. I was humiliated. I may not be live in a mansion, but we don’t have ROACHES! —Anonymous
Favoritism—I may not be a millionaire’s kid or have a famous last name, but I deserve the same education—even from student teachers. —Anonymous
Teasing—Everyone says I smell bad! —Anonymous
Confidentiality—They told everyone I had to cut my hair because I had lice. I’m sure I didn’t tell anyone but the nurse about that! She should be fired! —Anonymous
Peer Pressure!!! —Anonymous
Bullying—Check the internet . . . you’re on there, too. Sorry. —Anonymous
Gangs . . . oops, I mean the Dimes. —Anonymous
As I look through the rest of the surveys, one name continuously appears: Dimes.
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MY BOOK REVIEW:
Wow!!! This book has truly become one of my absolute favorite reads!!! I know this book and the takeaway messages will definitely stay with me forever!! I honestly don’t say those words lightly!!! If I was given permission to choose this year’s school reading list and a blank check to go buy the books – this book would absolutely be included!!! Every 7th Grader and up (and of course, adults will enjoy this book too!!!) should own a copy!!!
I have to admit that I had high hopes for this book after reading the author’s extremely impressive and inspiring bio. After learning about all the incredible programs and creative approaches she was implementing at her school and in her community, there was no question to how she was able to completely exceed my expectations on the quality, depth, understanding, and overall competency of this book. Ms. Fenyx Blue is a remarkable teacher that easily connects with students and making the short leap to writing morally complex/important life lesson/YA stories defines her wheelhouse!!!
One of my favorite things about this book was the writing style. I loved the smooth, teen vibe, pop culture reference style that honestly felt and sounded like a 9th grade teenager wrote it. It was like I was listening to the triplets telling their story – using their words. I mean that in the most respect, as this book obviously shows that the author was polished and professional in her writing, especially as to be able to get inside the mind of high schoolers. I truly believe that it can be quite difficult for authors to completely remove themselves from their writing and only use words or phrases that the characters would use. Ms. Fenyx Blue absolutely nailed this skill as her character development was strong, complex, well-detailed, and spot on!!! All those hours working with young adults have certainly prepared her for a writing career lol!!! Plus, I also want to point out that I think this younger vibe, refreshing, cool voice will resonate will the teen readers as they will be able to quickly bond with and relate to the characters throughout the book.
Many of you who know me, or that stop by my blog often, have probably caught on that many of the books I choose to feature on here and especially so for the ones I choose to review, usually focus on a topic or theme that I find important and want to throw even more awareness and spotlight on. In this particular case, this book’s main topic/theme is school bullying. This book does a fantastic job on opening the door, shining the light, and bringing so much attention to this outrageously disgusting, but ever so still commonly found practice!!! Bullying is never harmless; someone will always be hurt. Bullying is never acceptable, nor should it ever be tolerated. Zero tolerance must always mean exactly that – zero tolerance. Unfortunately, as many of us know, this is not often the case. We are still currently fighting this battle everyday; but with books like “Battle of the Bullies,” and inspiring teachers and passionate advocates like Ms. Fenyx Blue, I truly believe there is a chance one day that school bullying will be no more, the continuous cycle will finally end, and students can feel safe at school, as they should be.
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AUTHOR BIO:
BLUE: Bold, Loving, Unapologetic, and Evolving are words to describe Fenyx Blue. Ms. Blue is an author, Youtuber (FENYX BLUE INK), speaker, ministry leader, mentor, instructional coach and her school district’s former “Those Who Excel” Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Blue is a soldier in the Blue Fenyx movement encouraging every phoenix in the world to rise up. Blue’s mission is to inspire, motivate and educate. Blue speaks to audiences about their purpose and power and works to coach other authors through their journey to become published.
Her novels are tools for teachers while being candy for students. Fenyx Blue has penned four books in her poetic collection in which she shares true life tales and lessons: Her first Young Adult novel entitled Who Failed Johnny? (Book 1 of The Triplet Trilogy), second YA novel Battle of the Bullies, a Children’s book called Worth the Weight: A Rare Gem, and a Poetry Book by the name of The Blue Ink Movement. With the help of her extended family and friends network, her self-published books will touch many lives this year.
Ms. Blue is a veteran English Teacher who has worked with readers K-12. However, her expertise lies with middle school and high school students which she has mentored, taught, and coached for almost twenty years. Blue created an organization called Team BFF (Team Bully-Free Forever) and has served as its coach for more than ten years. Her students have partnered with other schools, marched, and provided education on bullying. In addition, Blue directs a youth anti-drug program called Snowflake that helps students to solve problems, build relationships and make positive choices. She created an organization called Dads Rock to bring father figures into her school system to develop relationships with students in order to build their confidence and competence in school.
When Fenyx realized her school did not have an activity for spoken word artists, Blue sponsored a poetry club of junior high students that went on to the final rounds of “The Louder Than a Bomb” competition. Her school has now expanded that club to reach all creative young people and to allow them to share their gifts. With the support of other educators, she developed DIVAS (Daughters Inspiring Values and Sisterhood) to build bonds between middle and high school girls and prepare them to be productive citizens.
Ms. Fenyx Blue lovingly refers to her squad as neighbors on her YouTube channel @Fenyx Blue Ink because she believes we are all connected in some way. One of her goals is to transform into the best version of herself as she helps others to realize their destinies. Ms. Blue is a native of Chicago, Illinois, and loves to travel, learn, garden, and read. Ms. Blue is currently working on finalizing Book III of The Triplet Trilogy before moving on to a work of nonfiction for teachers. Follow Fenyx Blue @FenyxBlueInk on all Social Media platforms.
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CONNECT WITH MS. FENYX BLUE:
Website:
https://fenyxblueink.wixsite.com/website
Email:
fenyxblueink@gmail.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fenyxblueink
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FenyxBlueInk
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/fenyxblueink
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/fenyxblueink
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fenyxblueink
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChlW2BnTCIdzg3Oh1C3c23g
Goodreads Author Page:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20789281.Fenyx_Blue
Goodreads Book Page:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56060704-battle-of-the-bullies
Amazon Author Page:
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BOOK BUY LINKS:
Amazon US Kindle eBook:
Amazon US Paperback:
Amazon CA Kindle eBook:
https://www.amazon.ca/Battle-Bullies-Fenyx-Blue-ebook/dp/B08M43JJMN
Amazon CA Paperback:
https://www.amazon.ca/Battle-Bullies-Fenyx-Blue/dp/1735373400
The Book Depository Paperback:
https://www.bookdepository.com/Battle-Bullies-Fenyx-Blue/9781735373409
BAM! Books-A-Million Paperback:
https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Battle-Bullies/Fenyx-Blue/9781735373409
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OTHER BOOKS BY FENYX BLUE:
Want more?! Check out these other books from featured author, Fenyx Blue:
Who Failed Johnny?
A troubled, mentally unhealthy young man who is dealing with bullying while battling problems at home and the friendships he develops along the way.
Amazon US Kindle eBook:
Amazon US Paperback:
Worth the Weight: A Rare Gem
A Christian dad expressing his love for his daughter and the song he sings to teach her to love herself.
Amazon US Kindle eBook:
Amazon US Paperback:
The Blue Ink Movement
A bold, loving, unapologetic and evolving collection of inspirational, motivational and educational poems about women, education, culture, relationships, and spirituality.
Amazon US Kindle eBook:
Amazon US Paperback:
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GIVEAWAY INFO:
Fenyx Blue will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner and a $5 Starbucks GC to a SECOND randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway**This post contains
affiliate links and if clicked and a purchase is made, I may receive a small
commission to help support this blog.
This does not cost you anything, it just helps pay for all those awesome
giveaways on here**
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteI liked the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting. Thank you for your honest feedback, too. Have an amazing day. This was an amazing tour. ����
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very good book.
ReplyDelete