The Bully

The Bully (2002) by Paul Langan. New York: Scholastic. 190 pages.
ISBN: 13: 978-0-439-86546-3

Shortly after Darrell began ninth grade in Philadelphia, he has to move with his mom to California; he has to leave his neighborhood and his friends, especially Malik who protected him from unsavory people. Being short and skinny, Darrell has handled dealing with people's comments and taunts.

Darrell and his mom move into an apartment next to his uncle, who has two children. Darrell's uncle makes mocking comments and his cousins are constantly fighting.

Before starting school Darrell meets Tyray, who bullies him, Darrell nervous to start school. Darrell finds ways to avoid Tyray, who extorts his lunch money. At school, Darrell deals with being ignored, eating lunch alone and humiliations from Tyray.

Eventually, Darrell finds his way at school- a teacher reaches out to him, he meets a friend and he decides to join the wrestling team. Wrestling develops his confidence, and increases his strength and weight. Darrell develops friendships, stands up to his uncle, and intervenes when bullying occurs in his own family. Does Darrell's confidence and new skills help him deal with Tyray?

The story takes place in an urban setting, with characters who are African-American. The drama is realistic; addressing ssues of bullying and confidence. These features will be attractive to youth who want to see themselves in the literature. This is a high interest read for 11 to 14 year olds.

The Bully is fifth in the Bluford High series, but the story can be read as a stand-alone.

Book trailer for The Bully and another Bluford series book, Summer of Secrets.
Townsend Press - Full Bluford series