Purple, a Young Adult Novel, Addresses Anti-Bullying Issues & Tolerance
August 29, 2012 -- Submitted by Carol Buzz, a reader from United States, who is affiliated with the site.
As people of all ages head back to school around the world, anti-bullying once again becomes a topic of concern. England-based author Graham J. Sharpe offers a unique look into tolerance and acceptance in his debut novel, Purple. One of the other major themes in Purple is Graham’s belief in equality. “I meet people from all over the world,” explained Graham, “and one thing I know for certain is, despite our difference in language, colour, wealth, status or beliefs, we’re all the same. We all respond to a smile. We all respond to a kind gesture.” After a purple storm sweeps around the world, stealing millions of people, the very young and the very old are forced to work together in order to survive. Not only does this invite conflict of age and ideas but other differences also arise. Desperate situations often reveal our true colours. In Purple, the author encourages young people to consider how it feels to be bullied and excluded. He also challenges them to consider what it feels like to grow old.