Parkland Middle School is a place the students call Darkland because no one in it does much to stop the daily harassment of kids by kids. Three bullied seventh graders use their smarts to get the better of their tormentors by starting an unofficial e-mail forum at school in which they publicize their experiences. Unexpectedly, lots of other kids come forward to confess their similar troubles, and it becomes clear that the problem at their school is bigger than anyone knew. But when the school principal clamps down on the forum, the three friends come up with a new plan that will shock everyone. " Wilhelm] shines a harsh light on many facets of bullying and never, even at the novel's rosiest moments, implies that every bully is a good kid just waiting to be redeemed. Middle-schoolers will appreciate the honesty." -- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Books like this make readers] feel less alone." -- Booklist "A thought-provoking experiment about bullying and how to handle it . . . Wilhelm poses intriguing questions about the role computer networks can play in rebellions, kids' lives, and possibly grander politics as well." -- Kirkus Reviews.
