Bye bye, bullies

If you've ever had to deal with bullies, you'll identify with Andy Jones.

The 11-year-old protagonist in Annie Winston's newest book, "Bully Buster Journal," is struggling with adversary Tommy Mugersnot, who picks on Andy any chance he gets.

"My war with Mugersnot began last year when I was a fifth-grader," Andy explains in the book. "I took first place at school and beat him in the science fair. I was pretty shocked that I won, and Mugersnot was hopping mad about it. He jumped up and down and screamed, 'It isn't fair!'"

Andy is targeted by Tommy and his goons as he navigates an already difficult chapter in his life: sixth grade.

Throughout the tale, Tommy finds ways to try to manage this bully. But when his Uncle Dug, an archaeologist, comes to visit, he learns about an ancient secret from an ancient dude in an ancient book.

"What I want kids and any reader of the book to understand is, there is a better way to battle bullies," said Winston, of Coeur d'Alene. "It's really tapping into the spiritual side of it, which is understanding that there are forces for good and not so good. In order to battle those forces that are not so good you need wisdom.

"I want them to understand that they're not alone in having a bullying problem," she said. "You cannot not ever go through life without meeting a bully or two."

Wisdom, love and faith are at the heart of this story.

"There’s principles to deal with bullies that can be found in the Bible," Winston said. "I think people underestimate the power of the Bible and its teachings for how to solve problems with different personalities."

"Bully Buster Journal" is geared to ages 7 to 12. It's filled with more than 200 illustrations by Gary Locke, album cover and "Adventures in Odyssey" children's magazine artist.

Winston said she's looking forward to this book helping kids understand a clear strategy to deal with bullies, as well as have fun enjoying the antics of Andy and his family members.

"Seeing Andy's own personal growth is what I'm excited about," she said. "The kids can relate to him."

Winston has been a published author since 2002 when she released her first historical fiction novel, "Heroical Storicals," which went on to earn several awards and sell more than 40,000 copies.

She is the founder of Jazzed about Reading, a nonprofit that celebrates and encourages literacy in youths.

Winston will be signing copies of "Bully Buster Journal" at the Cd'A Corner Store, 402 E. Sherman Ave., from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. Guests will have opportunities to win a $50 gift card to Michael's. Healthy snacks and drinks will be provided. Free coloring pages and bookmarks will also be given out.

"Bully Buster Journal," published by Cedar Gate Publishing, is available in the Cd'A Corner Store and online.

Info: https://bit.ly/2SjSz8x