How to Beat the Bully Without Really Trying

November 28, 2011
Over the course of a school year, perpetual underdog Rodney Rathbone transforms himself from insecure new kid and bully magnet to class hero—all by goofy happenstance—in Starkey’s debut novel. The farcical chain of events is set in motion when Rodney faces off with bully Josh and an errant baseball gives Josh a bloody broken nose, though the distracted onlookers give Rodney the credit. Several similar incidents help inflate Rodney’s legend—and he’s not complaining. Meanwhile, he’s hoping to make some real friends, woo his crush, and survive a teacher who has it in for him. Though Starkey is in tune with the rhythms of life in upper elementary school, he often turns up the ridiculousness too high in pursuit of campiness, leaving readers with a sometimes tiresome string of episodes. An undercurrent of nastiness among the characters—from local bullies to a truly sinister teacher—is less funny than it is uncomfortable, and while Rodney technically “beats” the bully at his own game, his triumph is somewhat hollow. Ages 8–12. Agent: Barbara S. Kouts Agency.

November 15, 2011
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. However, there are many pop-culture references here, including some that kids will get, such as, " 'Mmmmmmm …White Castle,' my dad murmured, sounding a lot like Homer Simpson"; a typical reader might not recognize others, such as a reference to a dilapidated house on Halloween: "I thought we lived in Garrettsville, not Amityville." Some have more of an impact than others on a young reader's ability to follow the storyline. In general, this is an enjoyable read about coping with bullying, an unfortunately evergreen situation. (Fiction. 9-11)

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April 1, 2012

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

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2012
Grades 3-6 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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)