Schools

10-Yr.-Old Jersey City Girl Writes Book About Being Bullied

In '3 Years Of Bullying," Gabrielle Henry chronicles how students and teachers bullied and mistreated her when she was very young.

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Gabrielle Henry was called "slow poke" by her Jersey City teachers and classmates. She was hit, pushed, and shoved.

She and her mother Stephanie Daniels did everything they could to get the bullyingto stop from preschool through first grade. Eventually, it did. And while the bullying could have greatly negatively affected Henry, she turned it into something positive and wrote a book about the experience.

Henry, 10, is the author of "3 Years Of Bullying." In it, she chronicles her story for the betterment of others.

Find out what's happening in Jersey Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"When I was bullied, it made me feel sad. I dealt with it by telling my mom or teacher," Henry said. "I want kids who read the book or hear me speak, I would hope they confront the bullies, or if they just tell someone about it, or ignore it."

Henry wants her book to positively influence bullying victims.

Find out what's happening in Jersey Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"After she heard about how a girl who was bullied killed herself, she took a deep breath, got tears in her eyes, and said 'I wish I could've talked to her,'" Daniels said. "I would have said 'Don't kill yourself, don't hurt yourself.'"

Henry has become an anti-bullying advocate. She has spoken at an Anti Bullying Youth Service at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Jersey City. She is scheduled to speak at Hudson County Community College in November. She also had a book table at New Jersey City University.

"I'm so proud of her. When you see that your kids have gifts and talents, you want to encourage them." Daniels said. "When she was bullied, it brought tears to my eyes. We fought back with the book. If we can help save a life, that's what we want to do."

"3 Years Of Bullying" was first published in August 2018. The second edition was published in July 2019. It is available on Amazon.

THE MENACE OF BULLIES: PATCH ADVOCACY REPORTING PROJECT

As part of a national reporting project, Patch has been looking at society's roles and responsibilities in bullying. Do you have a story to tell? Email us at bullies@patch.com, or share your views in the comments.


Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.