Duffy is looking forward to rugby practice after school. There’s an important game coming up against the Tūī’s who beat Duffy’s team the
year before. Their coach is pushing them hard – keen to win.
Talking about it on the bus with his friend, he doesn’t realise that something else is on his friend’s mind besides rugby.
Duffy is popular, friendly and helpful to others when he can, lately particularly with a younger student named Marama. He’s seen her upset and is kind. She’s been having a hard time at school due to online bullying and more personal attacks, and she’s not sure where to turn.
Taking the time to listen to Marama’s worries, Duffy suggests some ways to help. He then goes one more step, not only helping Marama, but turning a friend onto the wonder of story, and finding a much needed kicker for his rugby team.
Duffy and the Bullies is a full colour graphic novel where kiwi kids can see themselves between the pages. Main character Duffy is a likeable role model to characters and readers alike, and even speaks directly from the page.
Te reo is used between characters throughout the novel, at home, school and on the rugby field.
The topic of bullying is unfortunately one children can all relate to, and clear in a school setting within this novel. A bullied character finds possible solutions and the bully finally realises what pain their actions are causing, when they see themselves in a story.
The love of reading and the power of story is also a strong thread, pulling these characters together into a better way forward.
Mixed with a rugby game between rival school teams, tension rises holding readers to the page. There is more than one type of bullying portrayed, but ultimately relationships on and off the rugby field finally get a chance to heal.
Adapted from a Duffy Books in Homes stage play named Duffy and the Cloakroom Bully, I hope there’s more Duffy graphic novels from this talented NZ author/illustrator team in the future!
Author – Jeff Szusterman
Illustrator – Ant Sang
Graphic Novel
Age – 8+
(2024, Oratia Books, NZ, Aotearoa New Zealand, Bullies, School, Friendship, Secret, Family, Humour, Rugby, Sport, Graphic Novel, Helping, Caring, Thoughtful, Kindness, Taking time to listen, Reading, Ghost story, The power of story, Sharing books)