How to Beat the Bully Without Really Trying

"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 --School Library Journal, April 2012 Rodney Rathbone thought he would never have to experience an atomic wedgie again when his family relocated from New York City to small-town Ohio. The impulsive boy, whose "mouth kind of acts on its own," soon discovers that there are dangers everywhere as resident bully Josh threatens Rodney on the first day at his new school. When a stray baseball knocks out Josh during their confrontation, everyone assumes that pint-size Rodney has taken down the school's Goliath. Over-the-top humor drives the story as Rodney tackles more thugs, snobs, and vindictive teachers with his wit; tries hard to maintain the tough reputation he has inadvertently achieved; and even hopes to woo the most popular girl in school. First-time author Starkey seamlessly connects all of Rodney's antics with plenty of surprises, and leaves room for a sequel, too. With upbeat dialogue, pop-culture references, and characters named Mr. Feebletop, Mrs. Panic, and Mrs. Whiner, this debut novel will find plenty of appeal with Jeff Kinney fans. -- Booklist, January 2012 This debut focuses on a familiar character in middle-grade lit, the perennially bullied kid--except this time, he's unexpectedly victorious, early in the story. The twist to bullying victim Rodney's story makes this stand out from other books on the topic, and it also allows for some humor. He was bullied in his old school in Brooklyn; when his family moves to Ohio, he expects (and gets) more of this same. It's only due to blind luck that a stray baseball hits bully Josh, and the kids all think Rodney threw it. Rodney's problem then morphs from the typical coping-with-a-bully challenge to figuring out how he's going to keep up his misbegotten reputation as a tough guy. First-time novelist Starkey gets kids' voices and anxieties mostly right and clearly understands the playground dynamic. In general, this is an enjoyable read about coping with bullying, an unfortunately evergreen situation. (Fiction. 9-11) Kirkus Reviews, November 15, 2011 "How to Beat the Bully Without Really Trying is right on target. Scott Starkey really understands kids, school, and the language of both." -- Jim Trelease, author