Jessie was pleased when she found the piece of black rock on the beach. It is obsidian, with a story all of its own, far back in NZ history. But that was before everything went wrong in her life, and Jessie blames the shiny, ancient rock.

Jessie and Hayley used to be the best of friends. They enjoyed each other’s company and did everything together. At least until the new girl came. Alexis has travelled the world with her family. She’s beautiful, confident and as Jessie finds out, really nasty when she wants to be.

When this intrusion becomes serious bullying – in person and online, Jessie tries to ignore it, not knowing what else to do. Others come to her aid, and she tentatively makes a new friend in Mia. Mia makes Jessie feel good about herself, and doesn’t put up with Hayley and Alexis’ sharp tongues.

All the while, Jessie’s dreams are full of the strange black rock, and then a girl called Hine who is connected to it somehow. As Jessie digs deeper and researches for her own interest and a looming school project, she learns the rock may have belonged to a Moa Hunter, and that it was precious to their entire tribe.

Mia not only provides an escape from the bullying, but has the links Jessie needs to find the real story behind the obsidian to discover where it came from and how to return it to its rightful owner.

Unfortunately bullying is all too common – online and in school yards and classrooms. Just End It shows how sneaky it can be, chipping away at a person’s confidence and self esteem, blanketing each day with dread and anxiety. Fear of lies spread getting back to parents, or repercussions of actions twisted against them makes it almost impossible for the victims to reach out for help.

This is where Jessie finds herself, and Just End It deals with this challenge that many face, both young and old (online trolling in particular), with the seriousness it deserves. 

Luckily the character has strong minded friends around her and is supported by them. Sharing troubles with someone you trust is also a prevalent theme – to prevent the bullying spiralling out of control.

Note: Just End It is not about a girl considering suicide, but are three words thrown into an online string of messages to the main character.

Again, these are words used frequently online in real life without any thought of the repercussions.

This is a quick read set in NZ.

Author – Donna Blaber

Age – 12+

Read a review for another of Donna Blaber’s books here

(2020, NZ, Betrayal, Bullies, Family, Growing Up, NZ, Mystery, School, Secret, Moa Hunter, Obsidian, Cultural significance, Maori, History)