I have a very visceral reaction when I hear about those who are hurt by a bully. I want to scoop them up in my arms and hug them like I did my children when they were hurt as toddlers. Never mind that this is physically impossible for multiple reasons, it is always the reaction I feel. Like Phoebe Prince, who cannot be hugged any longer because she ended her bullying problem by ending her life. Or like Justin Hansen, the boy who was sent back to Russia with a note his mother didn’t want to parent him anymore. Breathtaking cruelty that hits like a kick in the gut to people who hear about it, never mind how it feels to those who live through it like Justin — or don’t, like Phoebe. I want to hug them, hard and tight; the kind of hug that says, “I’m here. Sometimes life sucks, but I’m here for you.” But since I can’t, I just feel a little bit sadder that I cannot help them.

Fortunately, authors Carrie Jones and Megan Kelley Hall have decided to do something in response. They have created a place for Young Adult Authors Against Bullying to gather and brainstorm some solutions, as well as offer resources for kids who feel bullied and don’t know where to turn. You can join the effort on Facebook. There are some hopeful stories, too. My favorite is the tickled pink story. I love people who not only think outside the box, but leap outside of it to create new and innovative ways to deal with age-old issues. And humor is always a plus.