Pick a book, a section in a book, an article (in a journal or periodical) that closely or

directly relates to the topic of your research proposal. Make sure the publication you
picked has an author. Read, understand, and summarize what you picked. Cite what you
read properly. After the citation, answer the following questions (if applicable):
"Blubber" By: Judy Blume

What question or
problem is the author addressing?
- Addresses the issue of bullying among schoolchildren. The story focuses on how a
young girl is teased and ostracized by her classmates who nickname her "Blubber".
The author explores the dynamics of bullying, the role of bystanders, and the
struggle of the victim. Blume also delves into the emotional turmoil the victim
experiences and the courage it takes to stand up against such behavior.

What are the key

concepts and how are they defined?
- Bullying: This is the main concept of the book. It's defined as the repeated, harmful
behavior directed towards an individual by one or more people. This comes in the
form of name-calling, teasing, and exclusion in the book.
- Peer Pressure: This concept refers to the influence exerted by a peer group in
encouraging a person to change their attitudes, values, or behavior in order to
conform to group norms. In the book, characters often participate in bullying out of
fear of becoming the next target.
- Bystander Effect: This is a social psychological theory that individuals are less
likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. In the story, many
characters witness the bullying but do nothing to intervene, illustrating this concept.
- Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. This is a
concept that is lacking in the bullies but slowly develops in some characters as the
story progresses.
- Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. The victim in the story,
despite the bullying, shows resilience in various ways.
What are the key
theories, models, and methods?
- Social Learning Theory: This theory suggests that people learn from observing
others' behavior. In "Blubber", children engage in bullying behavior after seeing
their peers do the same.
- Bystander Effect Theory: This social psychological theory suggests that individuals
are less likely to offer help when there are other people present. In the book, many
characters witness the bullying but do nothing to stop it.
- Resilience Theory: This is the ability to bounce back from negative experiences.
The main character, despite being bullied, shows signs of resilience throughout the
novel.
- Narrative Therapy: While not explicitly a method used in the book, the act of
telling one's story and being heard, as the main character does, can be therapeutic
and empowering.

Does the research use

established frameworks or take an innovative approach?
- "Blubber" is a work of fiction, not a research study, so it doesn't use established
research frameworks or innovative research approaches in the traditional sense.
However, Judy Blume, as an author, is known for her insightful and honest portrayal
of childhood and adolescence. She often tackles difficult subjects, such as bullying in
"Blubber", in a way that is accessible and relatable for young readers.
- In "Blubber", Blume takes an innovative approach in the sense that she doesn't shy
away from presenting the harsh realities of bullying. She depicts the perspectives of
the victim, the bully, and the bystanders, providing a comprehensive view of the
situation. This approach allows readers to understand the dynamics and effects of
bullying from multiple angles, which can be seen as a form of "narrative inquiry", a
method used in qualitative research to understand and represent experiences
through storytelling.

What are the results

and conclusions of the study?
- The story concludes with the main character, Jill, experiencing a taste of what it's
like to be bullied, which leads her to reflect on her own actions and those of her
peers. This serves as a powerful lesson about empathy and the effects of bullying.
- The "results," so to speak, are the lessons learned by the characters and the readers.
The book emphasizes that bullying is harmful and that everyone has a role to play in
preventing it - whether they're a bystander, a victim, or even a bully themselves.
Moreover, the story highlights the importance of understanding and kindness, as
well as the strength it takes to stand up against peer pressure.
How does the
publication relate to other literature in the field? Does it confirm, add
to, or challenge established knowledge?
- "Blubber" by Judy Blume is a significant contribution to children's literature,
particularly in the genre of realistic fiction. It addresses the issue of bullying head-
on, a topic that was not widely discussed in children's books at the time it was
published in 1974.
The novel confirms established knowledge by portraying bullying as a complex
social issue with harmful effects on the victim. It adds to the literature by providing
a nuanced view of bullying, showing not just the perspective of the victim, but also
the bully and the bystanders. This multifaceted approach helps readers understand
the dynamics of bullying and the roles different individuals play.
Furthermore, the novel challenges the common narrative of the bullied child
overcoming their tormentors through individual heroism or adult intervention.
Instead, Blume presents a more realistic, albeit uncomfortable, portrayal where the
bullying doesn't neatly resolve, and the protagonist herself is flawed and contributes
to the bullying.

What are the

strengths and weaknesses of the research?
- Strengths:
Realistic Portrayal: Judy Blume is known for her honest and relatable portrayal of
childhood experiences. "Blubber" is no exception. The dynamics of bullying, peer
pressure, and school life are depicted with authenticity, making the story resonate
with many readers.
Multiple Perspectives: The book provides insights into the roles of not just the
victim, but also the bullies and bystanders. This rounded perspective helps readers
understand the complexity of bullying.
Character Development: The protagonist, Jill, goes through a significant character
arc. She starts as a bystander, becomes a participant in the bullying, and eventually
reflects on her actions, providing a powerful lesson about empathy and personal
growth.

- Weaknesses:
Lack of Resolution: Some readers might find the lack of a clear resolution to the
bullying situation unsatisfying or distressing. The bullying doesn't neatly resolve,
which, while realistic, may leave some readers wanting a more definitive ending.
Unsympathetic Protagonist: Jill's involvement in the bullying can make her
difficult to sympathize with. This is an intentional choice by Blume to show that
anyone can fall into the role of a bully, but it might alienate some readers.
Adult Absence: Some critics point out the lack of effective adult intervention in the
book. While this may reflect the reality that children often deal with such issues on
their own, it could also be seen as a missed opportunity to show how adults can help
in such situations.

Summary

"Blubber" By: Judy Blume

"Blubber" by Judy Blume is a novel that revolves around the theme of bullying
among schoolchildren. The story is set in a fifth-grade classroom and is told from
the perspective of Jill Brenner, a student who becomes a participant in the bullying
of a classmate.
The story begins when a slightly overweight girl, Linda, gives a class presentation
about whales and mentions the term 'blubber'. The class, led by Wendy, the popular
girl, starts calling Linda 'Blubber' as a cruel nickname. Jill, who is friends with
Wendy, joins in the teasing and bullying.
The bullying escalates with the kids playing a 'trial' game where Linda is accused of
various silly crimes and punished. Jill, though initially uncomfortable, participates in
the game.

However, the tables turn when Jill falls out with Wendy and becomes the new target
of bullying. This gives Jill a taste of what Linda has been going through. She begins to
understand the impact of her actions and the cruelty of her previous behavior.
The novel ends on an ambiguous note. Jill doesn't apologize to Linda, but she does
stand up to Wendy, showing some growth in her character. The bullying doesn't
neatly resolve, and the adults in the story remain largely oblivious to what's
happening, making the story a realistic, albeit uncomfortable, portrayal of school
bullying.
"Blubber" is a powerful exploration of the dynamics of bullying, peer pressure, and
the importance of empathy and kindness.
 Pick a book, a section in a book, an article (in a journal or periodical) that closely or
directly relates to the topic of your research proposal. Make sure the publication
you picked has an author. Read, understand, and summarize what you picked. Cite
what you read properly. After the citation, answer the following questions (if
applicable):

"The Bully Book" by Eric Kahn Gale

What question or
problem is the author addressing?
- Addresses the issue of systematic bullying among young adolescents. The story
revolves around the main character, Eric, who finds himself the target of bullying
after discovering a mysterious book that seems to guide his classmates in
tormenting him.
The author explores the dynamics of bullying, including the roles of the bully, the
victim, and the bystanders. He also delves into the emotional and psychological
impact of bullying on the victim.

One of the key problems addressed in the book is the concept of 'the grunt', which is
the term used in the book for the chosen victim. The author questions why certain
individuals are singled out for bullying and how this selection process affects the
dynamics within a school or group setting.
It's a thought-provoking read that encourages readers to think about the impact of
their actions and the importance of standing up against bullying.

What are the key

concepts and how are they defined?
- In "The Bully Book", Eric Kahn Gale introduces several key concepts related to
bullying:
Bullying: This is the main concept of the book. It is portrayed as a repetitive,
intentional act of aggression, physical or psychological, carried out by an individual
or group against a person who cannot easily defend themselves.
The Grunt: This is a unique term used in the book to describe the chosen victim of
bullying. The concept questions why certain individuals are singled out for bullying
and how this selection process affects the dynamics within a school or group setting.
Bystander Effect: This is a social psychological theory that individuals are less
likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present. In the story, many
characters witness the bullying but do nothing to intervene, illustrating this concept.
Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. Despite being the
'grunt', the main character, Eric, shows resilience, seeking answers and standing up
to his bullies.
 Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. This is a
concept that is lacking in the bullies but slowly develops in some characters as the
story progresses.

What are the key

theories, models, and methods?
Social Learning Theory: This theory suggests that people learn behavior from
observing others. In "The Bully Book", bullying behavior is perpetuated as kids
mimic each other's actions.
Bystander Effect Theory: This social psychological theory suggests that individuals
are less likely to offer help when there are other people present. In the book, many
characters witness the bullying but do nothing to stop it.
Resilience Theory: This theory is about the ability to bounce back from negative
experiences. Despite being the target of bullying, the main character, Eric, shows
resilience throughout the novel.
Narrative Inquiry: While not explicitly a method used in the book, the act of Eric
documenting his experiences in his journal can be seen as a form of narrative
inquiry, a method used in qualitative research to understand and represent
experiences through storytelling.

Does the research use

established frameworks or take an innovative approach?
- "The Bully Book" by Eric Kahn Gale is a work of fiction rather than a research study.
Therefore, it doesn't use established frameworks or take an innovative approach in
the traditional sense of academic research.
However, the novel takes an innovative approach to storytelling by presenting the
issue of bullying through the perspective of the main character, Eric. It offers a
unique and personal narrative that allows readers to empathize with the
experiences of someone who is being bullied.
By presenting the story in a relatable and accessible way, "The Bully Book" engages
readers and encourages them to reflect on the dynamics of bullying, the impact it
has on individuals, and the importance of standing up against it.

What are the results

and conclusions of the study?
- The story concludes with the main character, Eric, gaining a deeper understanding
of the dynamics of bullying and finding the strength to stand up against it. Through
his journey, readers witness the power of resilience, empathy, and the importance
of finding one's voice.
The "results," so to speak, are the lessons learned by the characters and the readers.
The book emphasizes the negative impact of bullying, the importance of empathy,
and the need for individuals to take a stand against such behavior.
Additionally, the story highlights the significance of friendship, support, and the role
of bystanders in creating a positive and inclusive environment.
How does the
publication relate to other literature in the field? Does it confirm, add
to, or challenge established knowledge?
- The book adds to the conversation by presenting the experiences of the main
character, Eric, who becomes the target of bullying. It explores the emotional and
psychological impact of bullying, the dynamics between bullies and victims, and the
role of bystanders.
In terms of relation to other literature, "The Bully Book" can be compared to other
books that address bullying, such as "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio or "Thirteen Reasons
Why" by Jay Asher. Each of these books contributes to the understanding and
discussion of bullying in its own way.
- While "The Bully Book" may not challenge established knowledge directly, it
contributes to the ongoing dialogue about bullying, empathy, and resilience. It offers
a relatable and engaging narrative that can help readers gain insights into the
experiences of those affected by bullying.

What are the

strengths and weaknesses of the research?
- Strengths:
Engaging Narrative: One of the strengths of "The Bully Book" is its engaging and
relatable narrative. The story captures the attention of readers, allowing them to
connect with the characters and their experiences.
Exploration of Bullying Dynamics: The book delves into the dynamics of bullying,
shedding light on the roles of the bully, the victim, and the bystanders. It offers
insights into the emotional and psychological impacts of bullying, providing readers
with a deeper understanding of the subject.
Promotion of Empathy and Resilience: "The Bully Book" emphasizes the
importance of empathy, resilience, and standing up against bullying. It encourages
readers to reflect on their own actions and consider the impact they have on others.

- Weaknesses:
Limited Perspective: While the book provides a valuable perspective on bullying
from the point of view of the victim, it may not explore the motivations or
perspectives of the bullies in depth. This limited perspective might leave some
readers wanting a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Simplification of Complex Issue: As a work of fiction, "The Bully Book" necessarily
simplifies the complex issue of bullying to fit within the narrative structure. This
simplification may not fully capture the nuances and complexities of real-life
bullying situations.
 Lack of Resolution: The book does not offer a clear resolution to the bullying
situation. While this can be seen as reflective of the reality that bullying often does
not have a quick or easy solution, some readers may find the lack of resolution
unsatisfying.

Summary

"The Bully Book" by Eric Kahn Gale

"The Bully Book" by Eric Kahn Gale is a captivating novel that revolves around the theme of
bullying among young adolescents. The story follows the experiences of the main character,
Eric, who becomes the target of bullying after discovering a mysterious book that seems to
guide his classmates in tormenting him.

As Eric navigates the challenges of being bullied, the author delves into the dynamics of
bullying, the impact it has on individuals, and the role of bystanders. Eric's journey is one of
self-discovery as he grapples with the emotional and psychological effects of the bullying
he endures.

Throughout the narrative, the book emphasizes the importance of empathy, resilience, and
standing up against bullying. It explores the complexities of peer pressure, the power
dynamics within a school setting, and the struggles faced by those who are targeted.

"The Bully Book" offers readers a relatable and thought-provoking perspective on the issue
of bullying. It encourages empathy and reflection, urging readers to consider their own
actions and the impact they have on others. The story serves as a reminder of the
importance of kindness, understanding, and standing up against injustice.

Overall, "The Bully Book" is a powerful and engaging novel that sheds light on the realities
of bullying and promotes empathy and resilience.