Cullen Arma, the Bully, and the Shaman's Coat

By Dr. Patrice Paul

Book Description:
The dastardly plan to ruin the lives of students at M.R. Rick Junior High is underway. Walker Hayes, school cyber-bully extraordinaire, will get his revenge for not winning 1st place at the computer science fair last year. Will anyone discover his evil plan? Can anyone stop him? Only one person could possibly defeat Walker, but he’s having problems of his own. After slipping into a shaman’s mystical coat, Cullen Arma, an average 13-year-old, can conjure the skills of animals when he’s excited, anxious, or mad. Cullen must now learn to understand his emotions in order to control these skills. Unfortunately, the clock is ticking. Can Cullen use these mystical talents to put a halt to Walker’s sinister plans? Only with the help of his best friend, Brayden, and brainy cousin, Alyssa will he (and his fellow students) stand a chance.

Purpose of this Book:
Faced with new academic hurdles, leaps in cognitive ability, expanding moral ideals, and more complex social structures, adolescence can be a challenging time. Cullen Arma, the Bully, and the Shaman’s Coat uses fantasy-based fiction as a vehicle to highlight and address some of the concerns and issues faced by the middle school/young adult population (e.g., emotional awareness, peer pressure, learned aggressive behaviors, cyber-bullying, moral development), and is based upon the work of known theorists such as Bandura and Kohlberg. Reflection questions (RQ) and self-exploration questions (SEQ) have been included at the end of the book to help the reader internalize the socioemotional concepts that underlie the conversations of and situations faced by the major characters. The Teacher’s Quick Guide expands on the RQ and SEQ by building additional learning links to such subject areas as English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science, as well as to the areas of career development and social/emotional learning. Teachers, school social workers, and school counselors will find the book and quick guide a useful catalyst for discussion and project-based learning. Early teens and adults alike will find the story engaging and amusing, while it subtly brings the issues described above to discussion in a fun and friendly manner.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dr. Patrice Paul
• Release date: May 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9780615204352

Dr. Patrice Paul

As a clinical psychologist, Dr. Paul has experience in assessment and therapy, specializing in children and adolescents in both private and university-based hospital settings. Along with her clinical work, she has extensive experience teaching undergraduate and graduate courses as well as publishing and presenting research related to the fields of counseling and psychology. She decided to use this knowledge as a vehicle for writing personal-growth oriented fiction aimed at the middle-school and young adult population.

Book preview

Cullen Arma, the Bully, and the Shaman’s Coat

By Dr. Patrice Paul

Copyright 2008 by Dr. Patrice Paul/Treester Press

Smashwords Edition

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

ISBN-13: 978-0-615-20435-2

Library of Congress Control Number: 2008905359

The cover illustration by James Swanson

was based upon an original sketch by Patricia Pavlich.

This book is a work of fiction. Any reference to historical events, real people, or real locales is used fictionally. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events, locales, or people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Dedication

To my son, Kyle, who amazes and inspires me.

Acknowledgements

This book could not have happened without the assistance and support of my family and friends. I am forever grateful to my husband, David, and my mother, Patricia, for putting up with me and all my questions. The feedback I received on earlier drafts of this book from Maureen Tamillow, Lila Sullivan, Christine Hibbard, Delores McCree, and Julie Rahn was invaluable. I also want to thank Mindy Wozniak, Kathy Shaw, Kathryn Moran, and Lauren Simonetti for their professional insights. Lastly, thanks to Beth Hoorelbek for her many connections.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

A Note to Parents

A Note to Teachers

Reflection Questions

Self-Exploration Questions

About the Author

Prologue

The spirit within the coat was always patient during the waiting period. It knew it was just a matter of time until it would be in the hands of its next protégé. Sometimes the wait was long, sometimes it was short, but that didn’t matter.

So many adventures.

So much good it had done.

The spirit within the coat was always selective even though each protégé in the past was unique in his or her own way.

This time, it was waiting in a large cardboard box in the basement of the old, historic house. Its mystical properties were unknown to the family that now lived there. The current owner, a practicing shaman, purchased the house from a fellow shaman, who had left several empty packing boxes in the basement when he moved out. At least they seemed to be empty.

There are some boxes in the basement. Find the biggest one you can and put the art pieces in it, the shaman called to his daughter. They had not totally unpacked since moving in, and now there were special visitors coming by.

What are you talking about?

Didn’t I tell you?

No.

Oh, sorry. I’ve been rushing to get this done. I mean the art pieces next to the large empty cardboard box. I have a couple of people – the Armas, I think is their name – coming to pick them up. They own a Native American artifact store, explained the shaman who was busy filling another box with other items he thought the shop owners would like. I must say, I was really impressed with their appreciation for our culture. Anyway, just bring it up to the front door when you’re done.

"OK, but I’d like to catch that new episode of The Universe. It starts in like five minutes."

I appreciate whatever help you can give. Just do what you can. I know how much you love your astronomy shows.

His daughter ran downstairs to the basement. Sure enough, sitting right next to the large cardboard box were the art pieces. She quickly tossed the items inside, picked up the box, and took it to the front door. Finished! She yelled out on her way to the nearest television.

The shaman walked over to his daughter, gave her thanks for helping, and returned to the kitchen to finish up the last box.

The coat remained unnoticed and was now buried under the art pieces. It really wasn’t a big deal, though. The coat always found its way to the right person – a person who, when the time came, would use its powers wisely.

Chapter 1

Cullen Arma’s 1st period gym class brought the news he had been hoping for since the beginning of the school year. It was during announcements that his 8th grade gym teacher said there would be open practices the next few weeks for students who were interested in trying out for the track team later that month. He was waiting for another chance to try out since he hadn’t made the team last year.

While his coach talked on about other things, Cullen’s mind drifted to that fateful day. It was warm and sunny. Although there was a slight wind every now and then, it was still a great day for tryouts. Cullen, who was of an average height, with a slender and muscular build, had always enjoyed running and wanted more than anything to be on the track team.

There were a total of eleven boys at the tryouts that year. Cullen worried about placing high enough to earn one of the open spots on the team. He knew he was fast, but he wasn’t sure he was fast enough. He wished he could feel more excited and less nervous, but the What If’s had already entered his brain. What if I miss the call to start the race? What if I can’t run fast enough to make the cut? What if I trip or something and totally embarrass myself?

Cullen tried to shake these thoughts, but they persisted as he tried to limber up before the race. Unfortunately, he had gotten himself so wound up that he was startled when he heard Coach Bailey, who was in charge of the boy’s track team, call for them to get to their starting positions.

After closing his eyes and taking a few deep breaths, Cullen took his place. While he put his feet in the starting block and found a comfortable position for his hands on the dusty track, he looked around at the other boys. Some were talking to the boys near them, some were talking to themselves – probably that positive self-talk stuff – and others were still trying to loosen up by shaking their arms and legs around.

He didn’t know the boy to his immediate right, but on his left was Walker Hayes. Cullen and Walker shared an interest in track, but he was grateful the similarities ended there. Cullen tried to look away as quickly as possible so as to not make eye contact, but it was too late.

What do you think you’re doing here … Colon? taunted Walker in a most rude tone of voice. He never missed an opportunity to make fun of Cullen’s name. Colon, Colon-blow, and Cologne were Walker’s favorites. The boy to Cullen’s right let out a small laugh. Cullen rolled his eyes at the boy, braced himself, and looked over at Walker.

Walker continued, You think you got what it takes? I’ve seen you in gym class. You’re as slow as a 286 computer; although, I’m sure you don’t even know what that is. Idiot. Do everyone a favor and go home before you embarrass yourself.

Unfortunately, Walker’s attempt to shake up Cullen was working. Walker was right that Cullen didn’t know much about a 286 computer, but he knew they were very old and slow and that this was an insult. He knew he should just ignore Walker, but he couldn’t. His anxiety grew along with self-doubt. To make matters worse he could feel butterflies in his stomach. His heart started to beat faster. His hands became sweaty. What if Walker’s right? Man, I wish I were as fast as a cheetah or something, then I could …

But his thought was interrupted as Coach Bailey called out again for everyone to quiet down and get into position. As Cullen checked his footing in the starting blocks, he glanced out of the corner of his eye at Walker. He didn’t think much of it at the time, but he noticed Walker dragging his fingers through the loose gravel as he took his mark.

Cullen readied himself and tried to stay focused as best he could.

On your marks … get set … GO! shouted the coach.

The boys took off. Even though they were spread out at the start, they had converged on the inside lane of the large oval track within seconds of starting the race. Cullen had a favorable start and was fourth in the race. He didn’t hear noises from behind and figured he and the leading boys were rather far ahead of the pack.

Feeling encouraged by his good start, Cullen ran faster with his thoughts on trying to pass the boy in front of him. He knew he was ahead of Walker, but he dared not look back. He didn’t want to risk losing his focus and tripping over himself. He kept his eyes on the boys ahead.

As he grew closer to the lead runners, he heard from behind the sound of a single pair of sneakers hitting the track. They were getting closer at a fast pace. He then heard a voice behind him shout out, Hey, Colon-blow! Loser! Better get out of my way! Cullen realized that Walker was gaining on him. Oh, no! I have to stay ahead of him! Come on legs, move faster, Cullen thought to himself as he tried to quicken his pace.

Rounding the first turn of the oval track, Walker cut in close. Before Cullen knew what happened, he was blinded by gravelly track dust that hit him straight in the face. Hurt and unable to see, Cullen had to slow down so he could get the particles out of his eyes. All he could hear was the sound of Walker’s laugh as he ran further down the track. The sound of the other runners passing him by eventually hit his ears.

At first, Cullen tried to convince himself that this was an unfortunate accident. Perhaps the runner ahead of him might have unknowingly kicked up some of the dust on the track while trying to get more speed. But the sound of Walker’s laugh suggested that there was a sinister element at play here. Cullen then remembered seeing Walker fingering the track before the start of the race.

That jerk must have grabbed some of the gravelly dust in his hands at the start! Then he threw it in my face so he could get ahead, thought Cullen. Hot with anger, he ground his teeth so hard he thought they might crack in half. He tried to calm down, but it was impossible to do so. The only thing he could think to do was to take several deep breaths in an attempt to get a grip.

Upon getting most of the dust out of his eyes, Cullen turned so he could see the finish line. He saw that the others had either crossed the line or were near crossing it. It’s pointless to continue with the race, he thought to himself and slowly cut across the field toward the finish line. Through his watery eyes, he saw Walker getting a congratulatory handshake from Coach Bailey and with that he realized that Walker had done well enough to make the team.

Cullen grew angry again and felt it best to head straight for the locker room. He tried to bypass the area where all of the tryout participants had congregated, but Coach Bailey called him over. As Cullen approached him, the coach took him by the shoulder.

What happened to you out there? Coach Bailey obviously didn’t notice anything devious during the race.

Cullen paused and then replied, Something flew into my eyes and I couldn’t see. I had to slow down. He was afraid to say anything about his suspicions that Walker cheated. Tall and handsome, and with dark wavy hair and blue eyes, Walker’s reputation for trouble was known throughout Cullen’s neighborhood. Along with what would be expected from one such as Walker – cheating, threats, and intimidation – he sometimes engaged in more serious transgressions. Cullen always regretted the day he left his backpack on a table in the library when he went to the bathroom. Upon his return, the MP3 player he had hidden inside was gone. He knew Walker had taken it because he saw him with it a few days later. He didn’t dare confront him. He didn’t want his face rearranged. Telling the school’s security officer was not an option either because Walker would retaliate with even greater force. He had seen him do that to some of his classmates. Cullen felt this situation warranted the same caution.

The wind seemed to pick up during the race, said Coach Bailey, Perhaps some track dust got the better of you. Tough luck.

Cullen just looked at the coach.

You should think about trying out next year, he added and with that patted Cullen on the back and turned his attention to those who had succeeded in making the cut. Angry and disappointed, Cullen made his way back to the boys’ locker room. Still not wanting to talk to anyone, he quickly changed his clothes and left for home.

Chapter 2

That memory of last year’s tryout plagued him all through gym class. Cullen trudged through the rest of his school day, but those thoughts continued to distract him. Now that he was in 8th grade it was all the more important to Cullen that he make the track team at M.R. Rick Junior High. The school had a reputation for having a great track team. He hoped that earning a spot would help him next year when he tried out for the high school team. He planned on making it to all of the practice opportunities.

Cullen was grateful that his day at school was uneventful because it was hard for him to focus. First period PE was followed by algebra, biology, and history. After lunch, he had Spanish, study hall, and language arts. Today was one of those days Cullen wished he had more study halls and fewer classes. Overall, Cullen was a good student, but he worked hard for the grades. Being distracted by his thoughts didn’t make learning any easier. His cousin, Alyssa, who was in the same grade, had a similar schedule, but she got through her classes with greater ease. Although he was sometimes jealous of her abilities, he had to admit it was great having her around to help with homework.

By far, his favorite class was biology – especially when they were covering animal sciences. Cullen had a fondness for animal studies so the material was easy for him. His least favorite was Spanish. The insistence from his parents, aunts, and uncle that learning Spanish would be helpful later in life didn’t give him much comfort when he was struggling with an assignment.

As Cullen walked from Spanish to his study hall, he ran into his best friend, Brayden. A bit taller than most students, Brayden looked older than his 13 years, and he wore his blonde hair longer than most boys his age. Brayden loved music. He worked hard at learning to play the electric guitar and Cullen thought Brayden believed that the longer hair made him a better musician. Brayden borrowed his hair style from his private guitar teacher, a relatively successful local musician, but longer hair didn’t really help Brayden play better. Occasionally, he tried to convince Cullen to take up the drums or electric bass so they could start a garage band, but Cullen had no talent for music.

Hey! exclaimed Brayden as he approached Cullen, "Let’s hurry to the library so we can get a computer. I want