How to Outplay a Bully
Written by Nancy Wilcox Richards
Recommended for ages 6-9
Scholastic Canada $5.99

Success is about more than winning or losing. Tony soon discovers this when he joins the Bayfield Blazers. Heading into third grade and playing organized hockey for the first time in your life can be a little intimidating especially since the rest of your team has been playing together for the past couple of years. To add to the intimidation, Tony has to deal with a big bully by the name of Berk. For no apparent reason, Tony is the target for all of Berk’s jokes. Initially, Berk pokes fun at the second-hand equipment that Tony wears then he tags him with the name “Tony Baloney”. Why is Berk picking on Tony? As with all bullying situations, there is always something more than meets the eye. Is Berk trying to hide a weakness?

At practice one day, Tony is shocked to discover that Bobby, his next door neighbour, is a former NHL star. Bobby is the reason Tony is able to play hockey this year. He has been teaching Tony how to play hockey on the backyard rink and was the one who told his Mom about The Kit Bag (a used equipment store). How could Bobby have not told Tony this big news?

Combining hockey with the age-old problem of bullies, Wilcox Richards’ latest story is perfect for new independent readers and a great read-aloud for younger children. Each chapter includes black and white illustrations, a lot of hockey lingo and some true-to-life facts about the NHL. Perfect for young hockey buffs.