VVMBookBlog

Poison Ivy by Amy Goldman Koss

Ivy is tormented by “the evil three” and has been since fourth grade. “The Evil Three” are popular girls who have nicknamed Ivy, Poison Ivy. Although this bullying has been happening for years, everyone, even teachers, has ignored it until Ivy writes a poem about her horrors, and Ms. Gold reads it. Ivy tells Ms. G the story. Ms. G has a class Mock Trial to decide an outcome instead of taking it to Mr. Brock (nicknamed Broccoli), the principal, who would have suspended the three girls. Ms. G randomly picks a judge, lawyers, etc. Is this going to make it easier for Poison Ivy or worse? Even Broccoli is not pleased with the proceedings and makes all students get parent permission to be part of the mock trial, but it proceeds. Everyone in class knows how The Evil Three have harassed Ivy and can give specific examples. Is the mock trial a good idea? Anyone in middle school will find at least one of the characters to relate.