When luck gives a new kid a false reputation as a tough guy, can he find the strength to live up to his image? Rodney Rathbone is a self-admitted coward. Things scare him, and he can't help it. So naturally he's terrified when he moves to a new town and the bully is ready to pounce. But just as Rodney is about to flee, a baseball flies in from out of nowhere and knocks out the bully. Now everyone thinks Rodney's invincible--when really he feels just the opposite. Can he figure out how to live up to his new reputation and make friends along the way?
Told with warmth and heart, this debut novel from a middle-school teacher will speak to the hidden insecurities--and strengths--of every middle-grade reader.
About the Author :
Scott Starkey is an elementary teacher, soccer coach, and father of three children. He lives with his family in Long Island. How to Beat the Bully Without Really Trying is his first novel.
Review :
"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
