Educators and journalists are praising ‘The New Bullying’ as aid to families and schools

HONORS are rolling in for The New Bullying—published in 2012 by the Michigan State University (MSU) School of Journalism and ReadTheSpirit Books. In April, ReadTheSpirit reported that the MSU students had receiving two awards. In May, we are updating this report, because the students now have a total of three honors!

First, The New Bullying was chosen for an honorable mention in the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications competition for Best Teaching Practices with Tools and Technology.

Then, the MSU project won two more honors. In April, the students’ won first place for online news reporting in the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Region 4 Mark of Excellence. That qualified The New Bullying for the national competition with the SPJ. In May, the SPJ announced the book has received a national finalist award for online news reporting.

The book sparked widespread interest when it was produced in 101 days by journalism students at MSU. With help from ReadTheSpirit Publisher John Hile, they used analysis to determine content and then published the book across multiple print and digital platforms. Two of those students are in a new class that has used the same technology and just published 100 Questions and Answers About Indian Americans, a guide in cultural competence.

The New Bullying: Lessons the Authors Learned

Haley Beitman, a co-author of the Bullying book and a 2012 MSU graduate, is the second person from the left in the group photo. She describes that project as one of the toughest challenges she faced as an MSU student: “This was a great challenge, but at the same time it was also a great way of learning to work together and learning from each other as a team. We were not only able to publish the book, but we were also able to make the most of everyone’s skills and talents while doing so.

“I am so very proud of what we have accomplished as a group and I am also proud of the positive feedback and comments we have received. The topic of bullying is such an important issue to address for so many reasons and knowing that our book reached even a small group of students and parents is rewarding.

“As a news reporter, I have come across many people who have either heard of our book, heard of our accomplishments as a class or have asked me where to purchase a copy of the book to share with members of their book club. Our project and class inspired me to pursue writing and has given me invaluable experience to publish my own books in the future.”

Devyne Lloyd, an author who graduates in 2013 (front row in the photo next to Haley in a dark jacket), wrote, “It was a little rough starting out, but I’m glad we stuck with it. I have a new admiration for those who do this for a living, and I’m so glad it has actually helped people. The day someone from the Michigan Department of Civil Rights said they refer to our book on a regular basis, I almost cried. I’m so happy to have been given the opportunity to give back to the community and raise awareness of a national issue.”

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