A new series introduces fourth-grader Jake but then, strangely, goes back to describe his experiences dealing with a bully in second grade. Jake tells how he dealt with Link Baxter by first ignoring him, then fighting back, and eventually coming to understand a little bit about his persecutor. Although there's nothing original about this standard story, it reads quickly and easily.

Gr 2-4 A fourth grader looks back over his years in school and his early experiences as a "bully magnet." Even as a preschooler, Jake was the perfect victimmedium sized, moderately smart, and not inclined to tattle to the authorities. He relates how, in second grade, he came up against a SuperBully, Link Baxter, who taunted him on the bus, ruined his schoolwork, and generally made his life miserable. When the boys were paired up to do a Thanksgiving project, Jake was forced to do all the research. As it turned out, however, the SuperBully was a talented model maker and sometimes forgot to be mean when he was involved in creative work. Then, moments before their class presentation, Jake discovered that Link was terrified of public speaking. Although briefly tempted to take revenge, he instead agreed to let Link be a silent participant while he gave the oral presentation. While the tone of the book is light and humorous, it is a realistic look at a common problem. There is no instant change of heart, although the two adversaries end with a reluctant respect for one another. More important is the peace themeJake recognizes that "behind [every] bully face, there's another face. A real face." For a slightly younger audience than the author's Frindle (S & S, 1996), this title is a must for character-education and conflict-resolution programs and will have strong appeal to transitional readers. Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL