Zero Tolerance

“Mrs. Birnbaum is not affiliated with the school,” the principal said. “Her recommendations are just that.” Adele refused to let that pass without comment. “I am an agent of the city. Failure to comply with my recommendations may lead to intervention by the Administration for Child Services.” “This is not a lynching party,” he countered. “We are here to devise a strategy that will be helpful both to Yossi and to Shua. Shua has a problem and we want to help. But we can’t take the chance of other students being harmed.” “My son does not have a problem,” Lakie Fallon said through clenched teeth. “He is a normal healthy boy. Boys fight.” “True. Boys do fight.” Malka Reinhold, Yossi’s mother leaned forward. “But a fight is when both sides participate. This was one-sided, and when it’s one sided, it’s no longer called a fight. It’s called bullying, and it’s against the law.” “That’s ridiculous. They’re children!” Shua and Yossi are locked in a dangerous and debilitating cycle that threatens their essence as human beings. Their mothers face each other cross the huge gap created by the terrible struggle. Is there a way out? Will Adele Birnbaum’s ferocious dedication to eliminating bullying be enough when her own clarity is challenged by traumatic memories? An incisive, insightful, and riveting novel about bullying.