Retired Fairfax County Public School teacher Susan Coryell revised her anti-bullying young adult novel “Eaglebait” to include cyberbullying. She taught for 11 years at Centreville High School.

In her June 12, 2024, published book “Eaglebait,” Coryell stresses the need to reach out for assistance against bullying as one cannot fight it alone. She advocates increasing self-esteem and empathy against cyberbullying. She achieves this in the book through diverse perspectives and relatable characters, such as Wardy Spinks, a high school freshman who becomes the target of malicious bullying.

Through her relatable characters, Coryell suggests that if someone needs help with bullying, they can receive assistance from a mentor or an adult in whom they can confide. She encourages students to find an interest they love and “are good at.”

"You can draw other like-minded kids into your circle and make more friends, and friends don't have as many bullies," Coryell said. She said “EAGLEBAIT” had "lots of twists and turns, character, and plot" that would attract readers. "There is a message in it, and I think that even with the older teens, [the book] does resonate with them."

Coryell invites readers to send her a review. EAGLEBAIT, published by The Wild Rose Press, is available from all online bookstores in ebook and paperback format. Coryell looks forward to hearing from her Centreville connections — former high school students and staff who read EAGLEBAIT — and hopes they will provide a review on Amazon or Goodreads. To learn more about Coryell, visit her author website, www.susancoryellauthor.com.