Utah columnist and author T.S. Romney released his new book in February for kids ages 9 to 12 with a topic that nearly every child can relate to: bullying.
In his book, “The Legend of the Bully Slayer: The Dishonor Roll,” Romney takes a fun approach to a serious topic because he knows that kids don’t always respond well to lectures.
“I have a hard time when someone tries to lecture me,” Romney said. “It’s easier when you put it in terms of a good story with a good message.”
Romney, who has been in law enforcement most of his adult life, said everyone gets bullied at some point, whether at school or at work. He hopes those getting bullied, and those being the bully will read his book.
In the story, one bully falls into the toilet and has to remain at school looking like the kids the bully usually picks on.
“He realizes it’s not so fun to be bullied,” Romney said.
Alex and Nic are just starting the third grade at Bill Penn Elementary. Every year they have been the targets of dodgeball attacks, toilet swirling, name calling, and a variety of other unpleasant kinds of bullying. However, while upside down as the victim of his latest toilet swirl, Alex had seen, on the back of the toilet, an ad for the services of a Bully Slayer. Calling the number puts him in touch with a wise-talking third grader named Matheson.
The Bully Slayer takes a serious subject with a lighthearted approach – something Romney hopes his readers will relate to.
Romney has been writing since a young age and credits his favorite author, Brandon Mull, for being his inspiration.
“It wasn’t until I started reading Mull’s work that I thought I might have a chance of getting published,” Romney said. “I include humor. When you read great books from Stephan King and J.K. Rowling, there isn’t a lot of humor in them. Then came Brandon, and I realized my dream might become a reality some day. He’s probably the biggest influence in my life.”
Romney’s book can be purchased on amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Romney is currently scheduling times to visit with elementary schools throughout the state of Utah to talk to kids about bullying.