Notes from Doug

"My seventh grade wants you to know ..."

In mid-December I’m set to spend a day at Ritenour Middle School in St. Louis, a city I have never before visited. I’m looking forward to it! I’ve already been in touch by email with several of the students — and yesterday I got a message titled “My seventh grade wants you to know ...”

Here’s the email, shared with permission — and with thanks to each of these writers:

Dear Mr. Wilhelm,
We just finished the chapter called "System Server" in your book, "The Revealers".  You can hear a pin drop when I am reading!  I think I am enjoying this book more than my students.  But I am going to let them take it from here.  The following are messages from them.
Sincerely,
Margaret Herb
Teacher, Project Challenge
Ritenour Middle School

I have enjoyed reading "The Revealers" very much! Our class was so into the book that we would not allow our teacher to stop. The book is very "understandable" to kids.
Emma

"The Revealers" is a book that I think most people can connect with. It really helps people value the sense of friendship, and how important it is even though we don't really think about it too much, and sometimes what a waste that we destroy something so unique and close to us.
Jennifer

One of the most outstanding books that we're reading right now is" The Revealers". I think the book is utterly amazing and that kids our age or even younger or older can understand it.  That's how incredible it is.
Benita

I think that "The Revealers" is an awesome book. I can really understand how Russell, Elliot, and Catalina feel. I've experienced bullying myself, as a victim, and I want to do everything I can to stop it. "The Revealers" is my inspiration for that.
Dianni

Once when Ms. Herb was reading she stopped at the end of, "Bird Boy," and Austin yelled, "OH HECK NO, you ain't stopping right there!"  We all laughed and made Ms. Herb keep reading. I can relate to "The Revealers," because I was bullied in fifth grade. I enjoy it when Ms. Herb reads your book and I would like to buy a copy for myself.
Gabi

So far, definitely a must-read. Even though I've never been bullied, I can relate to what the book "The Revealers" is trying to say. We're on the chapter "Social Studies". We just got done with "System Server". I really enjoy how Russell, Catalina, and Elliot are trying to, umm, "experiment" on their tormentors. Like I said, so far this book is really enjoyable and I think middle school-age kids can really relate to the message of this book. I really can't wait until you come here to St. Louis. So, uh, yeah. See you soon I guess.
Louis

I emailed back: Hello Ms. Herb,

I totally enjoyed the email from you and your class! I'm now a big fan of Austin especially: "Oh HECK NO!" And I very much appreciate all this feedback — you made my day. Would it be okay with you and your class if I posted this email from you?

... After the class's email went up in this article, I got a second message from them, with more comments! Here, again by permission, are those:

Hi, my name is Austin. When I saw the E-mail I was so happy that I said, "OH HECK YEAH" and was so glad that you were my fan. HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Hello, my name is Lauren, and I'm a big fan of your book. I haven't been bullied, but I have met people who have and I know that it can really hurt someone. I love how your book can change how others feel about bullying, and probably even stop some people from doing it. Our class just finished the chapter, "Social Studies" and I just want to say that I'm really happy how it ended for Catalina.

Hi, my name is Emily and I am very interested in your book.  It shows what only a few kids can do in a time of need. I believe that you will very much indeed love the people at this school.  Everyone is their own person with their own personality, but one thing I believe everyone can agree on is this book is inspirational.

What's up Mr. Wilhelm? My name is Janessa and I enjoy your story, "The Revealers" very much. I, myself have been a victim of the horrible thing called bullying. Sometimes I wish it was never created. Whoever invented it should've never been created. That's just my opinion. Our class has just finished the chapter, "Social Studies" and I just want to say you're right. Everyone has felt alone before and I thank you dearly for writing a story so many people can relate to. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello, my name is Morgan. Whoa, that's a formal introduction. I'm not usually like that... Anyways, I love your book, it's like you put a lot of thought in each and every word. "The Revealers" is one of those class reading books that makes me have something to look forward to, even it's a horrible day. I tend to get lost in the book. Like, a lot. I really enjoy the plot... I think the jocks, (I honestly forgot) avoided the hospital because they were too chicken. Anyways, I really like your book and I guess I'll email you later, or see you very soon. I hope you enjoy St. Louis when you get here. Happy Thanksgiving, by the way!(:
~Morgan

Hello, I am Natalia.  I am really enjoying your book.  I am going to buy it so that whenever I am bored, I have a great book that I can relate to that I can read.  I love how the story is going so far, and I can't wait to read more.
Sincerely, Natalia

Hi, my name is Conor and we just finished the chapter, "Radio Free Geekowitz", where Russell is confronted by the Jock Rots. When Richie comes out and helps Russell I had a blank mind with disbelief. I never thought Richie would actually help Russell.

Hello, my name is Ahtu'Ra and we just finished the chapter, "Radio Free Geekowitz", and I have to say that it was a great way to follow up on "The Revealers", and it is very easy to understand. I like the fact that this book is very relatable to kids of all ages. As you know, I'm also in the 7th grade and I think you captured the whole middle school scene perfectly. There are things that make me think about things in our school and makes me notice things a lot more. Well, that's all for now see you soon, Bye!

Hi. This is Louis again. I just wanted to let you know that after reading today's chapters; "Radio-Free Geekowitz" and "Hey Guys", I've decided to start my own version of "The Revealers" at my school. I'm going to make a website, and, to make sure that no copyright laws concerning the idea are broken, I'm coming up with my own name. Kids at both RMS and our other middle school, Hoech, and all elementary schools in Ritenour, may send me a message or email me their bullying stories. I just wanted to let you know that your book, "The Revealers" has really inspired me. I'm looking to share people's stories and to raise awareness that bullying really is a problem everywhere, not just in my area. Please email back and let me know if this is ok. I don't want to get in trouble with copyright laws and things like that. Bye. I'll see you on the 18th, Mr. Wilhelm.(: