Bestselling author spreads anti-bullying message

New York Times bestselling author Jay Asher says he doesn’t like sad books. Yet, it’s his young adult novel about bullying and suicide that has resonated deeply with schools across the country.

Last week, Asher visited Whitefish Middle School as part of the 50 States Against Bullying campaign, sponsored by Penguin Publishing.

His suspense novel “Thirteen Reasons Why” tells the story of a teen boy as he listens to cassette tapes sent to him from his classmate who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On the tapes, the girl tells the story of why she committed suicide, and why the boy is one of the 13 reasons why she decided to end her life.

It’s heavy stuff, admits Asher, but its also an important issue to explore as a teenager when gossip and rumor can take on a life of its own.

The Whitefish Parent Teacher Association purchased 100 copies of the book in anticipation of Asher’s visit, which were made available to students as optional reading.

“This is a really uncomfortable issue,” Asher said. “A lot of people don’t want to talk about it.”

“But we need to push through the uncomfortablity, because it’s necessary.”

According to the American Library Association, “Thirteen Reasons Why” was ranked in 2012 as one of the top-5 most banned books because it deals with topics like drugs, alcohol, sex and suicide.

Asher applauded Whitefish School District for allowing his book into the school.

“I wouldn’t be here without your school faculty,” he said. “We all acknowledge this is uncomfortable, but your school knows that’s exactly why it needs to be talked about.”

Middle school librarian Dana Carmichael organized the tour stop after hearing Asher speak at a library conference last year.

“I read his book and then asked my 14-year-old son to read it,” Carmichael explained. “I thought [Asher] handled scary topics tastefully. It’s realistic from a kids point of view, he didn’t mince words, and he didn’t label.”

She said students overwhelming had a positive response to the book, and some even asked their parents to give it a read.

“Which I encouraged,” Carmichael said. “These topics are scary, not only for teens, but for parents, too. The book could open up the opportunity to talk.”

Carmichael said the book dovetails with the school’s long-running campaign against bullying. She was thrilled to have the support of not only the middle school administration, but the school board and superintendent Kate Orozco, who all read the book.

“I’m really pound of the school for jumping in with both feet,” she said.

Prior to Asher’s visit, students in Nanette Reed’s art class and Angie Finberg’s English class collaborated on a poetry and art project.

The high school book club is set to discuss the book this month.