How to Beat the Bully Without Really Trying

Gr 4–6—Rodney Rathbone is filled with dread because he's moved to Ohio and is going to a new school. By his own admission, Rodney is afraid of just about everything. When he meets the biggest bully at Baber Intermediate, he's sure considerable harm is coming his way. However, as Josh is ready to punch Rodney in the face, a baseball comes flying out of nowhere and hits his tormenter, bloodying his nose. No one but Rodney sees what happened, and the other kids think he beat up the bully and make him the hero of the day. Rodney's reputation continues as he lucks out at every turn—surviving a haunted house, a death-defying sled trip down the highest hill in town, a hijacking at the school dance, and more. From an especially cruel teacher to a motorcycle gang, to Rodney's former nemesis back in New York, several bullies are after Rodney. The action becomes somewhat predictable with the middle schooler able to somehow escape the abuse and win in every situation. Still, kids will cheer for the appealing underdog and enjoy his success while they identify with his frequent feelings of anxiety and dread. Just as it seems that all is well and Rodney is safe, the book ends with a twist, indicating a possible sequel. Fans of Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series (Abrams) will enjoy this novel—Tina Martin, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL