Author April Mattson's New Book 'The Sharpies' is a Thoroughly Modern Tale Exploring a Timeless Problem and Its Twenty-First Century Implications in an Ohio Suburb

Recent release "The Sharpies" from Page Publishing author April Mattson is a riveting work of fiction depicting a group of friends who welcome a newcomer into their town and their inner circle. Tensions eventually rise as the dynamic between the three original friends changes, and accusations fly when cyberbullying leads to an act of violence, casting a web of suspicion and the threat of criminal prosecution.

​April Mattson, a piano teacher, lifelong readers, and married mother of five living in Dallas, Texas with her family, has completed her new book “The Sharpies”: a compelling story illuminating the very real social issues emanating from the unfettered use of technology in every aspect of modern life.

April writes, “Online bullying has become a catchphrase for our day. No longer the traditional bullying in the schoolyard, it casts a much wider net. In ‘The Sharpies,’ the stereotypes of bully and victim are far more nuanced. When a violent act occurs, suspicion is cast on all the characters, for nothing is as simple as it appears.

“A documentary crew descends on a suburban city in Ohio, centering on four young women who’d been dubbed the Sharpies ten years before. The interviews disclose the story of three close friends—Andi, Shaye, and Phoebe—who come across a new girl, Mabel. Andi is sharp-witted; Shaye, dramatic and beautiful; and Phoebe, kind and welcoming. Mabel is poor, from a dysfunctional family, and craves their friendship. They attend the same church, and Phoebe invites Mabel to their youth activities. Andi and Shaye soon resent the time Mabel spends with Phoebe and becomes suspicious of the attention she demands of her. Throughout the summer, tensions rise. Mabel relishes the comforts of the Doon family while Andi considers her manipulative and strange.

“When school begins, things only erode further. Phoebe becomes wary of Mabel as she continues to dominate, but for the most part, they view her as harmless. Yet when the girls are sent to the principal’s office with evidence of photos posted from Phoebe’s computer, and then later, a violent crime, it begins the onslaught of public opinion and criminal charges.

“Andi is as passionate about Phoebe’s innocence as Mabel is about her own. Also dispersed are recollections from the youth pastor, a police investigator, and school officials, which cast enough doubt about who the real culprit is. There are those who know more to story and those who are willfully blinded to the truth.”

Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, April Mattson’s engrossing book is a must-read for young adult audiences.

Readers who wish to experience this engaging work can purchase “The Sharpies” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional New York-based, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create – not overwhelmed with logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of accomplished authors and publishing professionals allows writers to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Source: Page Publishing

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