Read it to my 8th graders. Good companion book with the sequel, The Gun. ( )

When scrawny freshman Darrell transfers to Bluford High, he worries he will be bullied and friendless, and his nightmare seems to comes true when bully Tyray begins to terrorize him out of his lunch money each week, but Darrell soon finds friends, joins the wrestling team and dances with a girl at a school dance, all giving him the confidence to stand up to Tyray. Readers will likely sympathize with Darrell’s fears and worries, and urban children will particularly appreciate the familiar urban setting. While the unsophisticated writing lacks a strong voice and suffers from problems like unrealistic dialogue, underdeveloped characters and a tendency to spell out morals, this novel might nevertheless be an ideal hi-lo selection for reluctant readers. Indeed, the Bluford series is known for hooking reluctant readers with its blend of relatable, contemporary storylines and simple, accessible writing, and librarians who serve reluctant readers will want to consider including the series in their collection. Recommended for readers age 12 to 14. ( )

Darrell is a 15 year old boy from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is short, shy, and has always depended on his friends to fight his battles for him. Darrell’s ninth grade year is cut short, when his mother loses her job and is forced to move to California to survive. Darrell leaves all his friends behind and travels to a new state, new school ,and new environment for him. This is just the beginning of The Bully’s real story by Paul Langan

Paul Langan really did an outstanding job
Writing this story (The Bully), Darrell’s
struggle with his size,age,and high school status
just shows the reader the average real-life victim situations.

Seeing Tyray terrorize Darrell, not only made me get more in-depth in my reading
but it made me feel like I was seeing the whole thing unfold in real life. The book does not only revolve around the bullying ,but shows Darrell doing more things such as; wrestling, making friends, and being a normal high school kid. Although his dreams are crushed by Tyray ruining his life, stealing his money, and hurting his friends to.

The reader may find the part of this story where Mr. Mitchell gives Darrell the book “Hatchet” as interesting as I did. After Darrell Finishes the book he doesn’t quite understand what it means. However, in the end it challenged him to grow up and face his dilemmas “head on”.

Darrell Mercer, a 9th grader, just moved across the country with his mom and he feel completely alone. He misses his friends back home and cannot seem to find a place to fit in at Bluford High. A part of the Bluford High Series this emotional tale is an extremely affordable and accessible book. It was written to appeal to a lower reading level but does not lose any of the emotions of other YA books. The pages will fly by as you wait to find out how Darrell will handle Tyray, the mean bully at school. Recommended for ages 14+. ( )

What did I like about this section? I like when he made the wresling team. The first day darrell wen't to practice it was bad because he did now or exspect what to do. then the next practice Darell got the hang of what he was doing after that he began to grow and got stronger and stronger.Then his first day that he had his game and his teamates said not to worry about the match you would be aright . Then they wade he he had gained 15 pounds.
this is why i like that part oh this section because was scared he steal played his best and he almost won the match, so dont be scared of anything becauses he is big or more muscular than you. youwould never now he could be a wimp. ( )