Duffy and the Bullies

This graphic novel, adapted from a screen play, addresses the issue of bullying in school and online in an engaging story involving a school rugby team. The main protagonist, reading superhero Duffy, is reading a book titled ‘The Halloween Hassler’ that coincidentally is about spooks bullying. When he’s read it, he passes it on to Marama, a victim of Ashlee’s bullying. A reluctant reader at first, Marama gets hooked and then passes it onto Ashlee. I love how this book illustrates the power of a story when Ashlee recognises herself as the bully and cries with remorse.

Unlike most graphic novels using all capital letters, this one uses lowercase making it easier to read.

A tiny disappointment for me is that The Halloween Hassler is not a real book. I believe there is enticement to more reading if a protagonist is reading and promoting a real book.

With plenty of rugby, relatable kiwi characters and Ant Sang’s brightly coloured graphics, what’s not to like about this book.