Max Quigley, Technically Not a Bully by James Roy - Book Review

July 14, 4:40 PMReading ExaminerCheryl Vanatti

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Max Quigley, Technically Not a Bully is following a trend in children’s literature. Much like Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life (previously reviewed here), Max Quigley, Technically Not a Bully follows the hand-scribbled diary format. Not that this is a bad thing. This trendy format is especially enticing to reluctant readers and preadolescenct males, two groups in need of reading incentives. Add the convincing voice of Max Quigley to the format and you’ve got an enticing look at bullying from the bully’s point of view.

Max is an unreliable, sarcastic narrator. He thinks that just because he doesn’t physically hit anyone, he’s not really a bully. Max’s idea of a good time is picking on Triffin Nordstrom, or Nerdstrom as Max’s renamed him. But Max’s teasing goes too far causing Triffin’s mother and Max’s parents to form an alliance. Their concocted plan is twofold: educate Triffin in social skills while Max gets help with his slumping math scores. And even though Triffin may be a loner, he’s none-too-thrilled to hang with Max. This comes as a great shock to the ever-popular Max.

Author James Roy does several unique and successful things with Max Quigley, Technically Not a Bully. He molds a character, one that could easily come off as unlikable, into a relatable, even if unreliable, voice. He sets the tale in Australia, which provides American readers a chance to learn some fantastic Aussie speak (Mum, mate, cheeky). He keeps the moralizing in check with short chapters, realistic dialogue and lessons learned through actions rather than telling. When Max begins to slide in the direction of empathy by the story’s end, Mr. Roy never allows Max to lose his core personality.

Recommended for readers who enjoy the sort of potty-humor associated with Louis Sachar or Dav Pilky, 4th – 8th grade males and reluctant readers. For both classroom and library use.

Resources:

Link: Author's webite

Previously reviewed on Reading Rumpus

Buy Max Quigley, Technically Not a Bully Here

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (March 16, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0547152639
ISBN-13: 978-0547152639