cover image Beating Bully O'Brien

Beating Bully O'Brien

Karen Mueller Bryson, Karen Mueller Coombs. Avon Books, $2.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-380-75935-4

Ten-year-old Rocky Ryan's main problem is Tink O'Brien, a new classmate who has arbitrarily chosen him as her after-school punching bag. Despite the daily pounding, Rocky won't retaliate, not only because he's been taught never to hit a girl and because he wants to safeguard his hands for an upcoming viola competition, but primarily because he's a believer in nonviolence. Eventually, however, Rocky's music teacher helps him understand Tink's behavior, which alters his relationship with her considerably. Youngsters may become exasperated by Rocky's unrealistic, albeit noble demeanor, or irritated by the repetitious story. Yet Coombs imparts some key advice for the age-old dealing-with-a-bully dilemma, transforming an otherwise mediocre book into a worthwhile read. Ages 8-12. (Jan.)