<DIV><P>True stories from <I>New York Times</I> bestselling author Jodee Blanco's tours.</P><P>Have you ever felt alone, as if no one understands what you're going through, and that no matter how hard you try, you're scared things may never get better? Do you wish your classmates would give you a break? I felt that way often in school. I was bullied and excluded for the same reason maybe you or someone you know has been too--simply for being different. There were days when all I wanted was to stay in my room. Back then, I would have given almost anything to meet the kids you're going to meet here.</P><P>Ella dreaded riding the bus. Tommy was afraid to trust anyone at home or at school. Susan had lots of friends until her BFF turned them all against her. Sebastian was lured to online Xbox parties just to be humiliated. A teacher was bullying Ashleigh. Eric's Asperger's made him the butt of cruel jokes. The cool crowd beat up Tiffany and videotaped it for YouTube. Braden got tormented because of his weight. Kaitlin felt invisible. Eddie's buddies dumped him when he decided to stop living a lie. Brianna was bullied so badly she tried to take her own life, and when classmates saw her bandaged wrists, they laughed and said, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."</P><P>These are some of the brave teens who will be talking to you in this book. Each one found the courage to stand up to their bullies and reclaim their lives, and you'll hear exactly how they did it.</P><P>You're not alone anymore.</P></DIV>