In recent years, bullying has become pervasive in schools

but many teachers, school administrators, Boards of Education and even parents fail to recognize it when it happens. But Charlena Jackson has firsthand experience: her three children, and the children of other families, have all been victims of bullying. In "I'm Speaking Up But You're Not Listening!" she explores bullying and how other children are not always the only perpetrators. Adults can bully, too.

Documented within the book are police reports filed when the school's response was unsatisfactory, medical reports when the bullying resulted in injury, and transcripts of parent-teacher conferences that provided few answers. Bullying is a silent killer, often resulting in a child's attempt to take his or her own life when they just can't take anymore. It's hoped is that parents, administrators, and law enforcement become familiar with the signs of bullying and use their influence and power to stop it before it goes too far.