Jake Drake, Bully Buster by Andrew Clements, Janet Pedersen (Illustrator)

From Barnes & Noble

Fourth-grader Jake Drake feels as if he has spent most of his life being victimized by Link Baxter. Of course, that's not exactly true, but mild-mannered Jake has received more than his fair share of abuse from the classmate nicknamed SuperBully. Then, as if to add insult to injury, Jake discovers that he's been paired with Link on a Thanksgiving school project. While they're engaged in this creative task, the two of them discover a bond of mutual respect. A humorous take on an all-too-common problem.

From the Publisher

Meet Jake Drake.

He's not the toughest kid in fourth grade or the fastest kid or the funniest. But he's got ideas -- big ideas, and boy, does he have stories to tell about what really goes on in school. Like bullies, for instance. Jake wants to know "if everybody who works at school is so smart, how come they can't get rid of the bullies?...Because every year, it's the same thing. Bullies."

So it's up to Jake Drake to take matters into his own hands when Link Baxter, SuperBully, moves into the neighborhood. Link's reign of terror must be stopped...if only Jake can figure out how.

In this new series by the bestselling author of Frindle, The Landry News, and The Janitor's Boy, Jake Drake confronts the problems of school life and finds some surprising solutions!

Elisabeth Greenberg - Children's Literature

Jake Drake was bully bait from preschool right through second grade. Like a magnet he attracted Destructo who tore up his projects in preschool, King Bump who seized every bumpable moment in kindergarten, and The Fist who smashed Jake's lunch every day in first grade. Jake relaxed in the best class in second grade ... until the Super Bully showed up. Life was miserable and got worse when Super Bully Link and Jake were assigned to a project together. Jake's little sister clues him in that acting mad invites meanness. Jake uses his brain to tackle the bully problem and discovers behind Link's bully face another face, and a nicer person. This realistic chapter book, first in a series, will attract young readers with its engaging character and real-life situations. The teacher's edition comes with a guide for classroom discussions and a selection of activities and projects. 2001, Aladdin Paperbacks/Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division,

School Library Journal

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 victim-medium 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 theme-Jake 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 Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Product Details

• ISBN: 1416939334
  
• ISBN-13: 9781416939337
• Format: Paperback, 80pp
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
• Pub. Date: June 2007
• Edition Description: Reissue
• Sales Rank: 18,662
• Age Range: 7 to 10
• Series: Jake Drake, #1