The True Backlash by Sydney

The True Backlash by Sydney - October 2021 Scholarship Essay

I hovered my finger over the array of paperback books on my teacher's shelf. It was the end of the year with seemingly no entertainment left, I grabbed a book with a curious cover. The illustration of the cover glistened in my eye. The Backlash by Sarah Darer Littman the scratchy bold letters stood out. I knew very little at the time but that book would change my perspective

Lara is a 15-year-old who is no stranger to the conflicts of teenage judgment. Bullying takes a toll on her mentally but she proceeds with confidence. Now a cheerleader with a spotless reputation her worries are beyond her. Until she receives a friend request from Facebook. The "friend" identifies himself as Christian a boy from another school on the outside he was a daydream. Lara was starstruck by Christian and forms a relationship with him over the internet. As the relationship progresses and Lara becomes infatuated with Christain. Unfortunately, he breaks it off with Lara and online publicizes the drama surrounding the breakup. Lara's mental health diminishes after this event. Lara later finds out that her best friend had been posing as Christian with the ultimate intent to backstab her. This devastating news causes extreme distress between teenagers and their families. Lara transfers schools and all seems well until they meet at a cheer competition. They end the friendship on a sweet yet sour note. A boy named Liam meets Lara and they happily go to homecoming together. Lara finally gains a new relationship and closure.

The theme of Backlash is to think before you act and not to trust strangers online. I learned a special lesson from reading this incredible book that I have kept with me forever. When I am online and see a friend request light up on my dashboard I stay cautious. I believe that everyone should be aware of the consequences that the internet has to offer especially teenagers. Looking out for each other and spreading awareness on cyberbullying and the dangers of strangers online is a necessity. Because maybe some day being aware could save your life.