M. M. Murray is the author of the 2018 children's fiction book "Left Out." A former classroom teacher and literacy specialist, Ms. Murray is passionate about student literacy and the issue of bullying, which inspired her to write "Left Out."

Ms. Murray, a West Hartford resident, is eager to get her story into the hands of 5th-7th grade students and is offering 30 Connecticut school libraries a FREE copy of "Left Out" for their collections. There is no cost for the book or for delivery. Complete the form below to request your free copy. You will be contacted if you are one of the first 30 schools and books will be shipped as soon as they are requested.

Questions? Email or call Ms. Murray at mmurray44@sbcglobal.net or 860-521-1518.


Overview of "Left Out": Abby enters her first year of middle school unsure how she will fit in without the support of her only best friend who moved away. Within the first few days of school, she’s tripped and shoved by a group of four sixth-grade girls she never met before. One time, they trapped her in a school stairway and punched her so hard she fell to the floor in pain. She can’t figure out why they are picking on her. She keeps the attacks to herself afraid if she tells someone, the girls will become meaner toward her. Abby’s spirits are lifted by becoming friendly with Eden, a handicapped boy, also starting sixth grade, who moves into the house next door. Once Eden hears about her problem, he encourages her to determine a way to stand up to them. He even tries to show her techniques to push back, but Abby cannot find the courage to use them. On Halloween night, when Abby and Eden meet this “pack” of girls on a neighborhood street and they start an attack, Abby shudders in fear wondering if she will ever be able to stand up for herself.