The Flight of the Seagull

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The Flight of the Seagull

A Young Adult novel that cuts to the core of the high school experience

The English translation of Al het water van de zee one of the best-known books about bullying in The Netherlands

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About the Book

Providing an insight into high school dynamics through a wealth of young minds

Grade 9 is going on a school trip to Terschelling, an island 15 miles off the Dutch coast. The students are excited to stay at a farm, where they will sleep in tents. They board the ferry and the mood on the way to the camp site is elated. Everyone would consider them a well-behaved class, but the reality is different. Throughout the school year, a group of boys has been ruining the atmosphere in the classroom with their antisocial behavior. Mainly they pick on Ivan. At school the situation is more or less under control, but away from the watchful eyes of their teachers, it soon escalates. The bullies are making Ivan’s life hell, and what happens next will forever change the lives of everyone involved.

The Flight of the Seagull by Greet Beukenkamp

Each chapter moves the story forward from the point of view of a different student. Despite the serious subject, it is written with a lot of warmth and humor. Looking through their eyes, you get to know the students one by one.

The climax hits you like you yourself were part of the class.

Universally popular with Teens and Young Adults, The Flight of the Seagull is used by teachers to start a discussion about the issue in the classroom, and it can certainly be recommended to parents, because it gives a clear picture of the process of bullying and being bullied.

 

Details
Genre: No longer available
Publisher: Amsterdam Publishers
Publication Year: 2015
Length: 229
ASIN: B011GYFZGM
Rating:

eBook Price: $2,99
light of the Seagull, by Greet Beukenkamp, touched every heartstrings I have. The story was powerful, insightful and exceptionally well written. Greet shows us bullying from all perspectives, both the bully and the victim. As a mother who's youngest child has been through this, I cried and realized that we were not alone. So many children, and adults, are subjected to immense cruelty from others, for either pleasure or just to make themselves feel important. I wish I could hand this book out to every school child, parent and teacher, to make them more aware of the issue from this unique perspective.
– Book fanatic
This is an excellent book. It explores an all too common issue that few know how to handle, bullying. What can you do? Well, one thing we need is literature that explores the whole subject, from a variety a viewpoints. This is the assignment that Greet Beukenkamp chose to address. The story rings true in a variety of cultures. The issue is handled with respect and empathy
– V.M. Ricks
This story is really great. I was attached to it very emotionally. The story line is good. Bullying mostly happened in school days. Parents have big roles in molding or nurturing kids. Kids should be thought that bullying is not nice. They should not get involved in bullying. The author put everything in order. Great ideas. Lessons learned.
– Jonathan Maverson
This book was powerful, insightful and well written. The author shows us bullying from the perspective of the people involved. Not just the bullied but the bullies and those who simply stand bye and let it happen. Many books with this subject come off as preachy and have cardboard cutouts for characters but this book is different. The story drips with authenticity. When I was in the 8th grade my school sponsored a week long camping trip and while reading this I was transported back to a time when bullying was a everyday part of life. This book is a must read for parent and teachers.
– Amberwood
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