Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Gloria Nickerson

By Gregg Seeley (Moose Hide Books)
Imagine Bunsel, a quiet uneventful town owned entirely by Big Bobby Boolacheck.
Big Bobby senior, a large intimidating and ill mannered man thinks nothing of taking the drink right out of someone's hand if he's thirsty or ordering everyone off the roads so his 11-year-old and equally obnoxious son, Big Bobby Junior, can drive his Cadillac.
Big Bobby Senior may own Bunsel Bakery, the meat shop, restaurant, the hotel, the mall and more but he is soon to find out he does not own the new county sheriff Mr. Blue.
As the Blue family settles into Bunsel, it is clear that the Boolachecks run the entire town including the residents of all ages. Elliot Blue, the quiet undersized brainy kid has resigned himself to hiding out in the chess club or washroom but gets a small glimmer of hope as his cousin Jimmy "The slick", an adventurous prankster, arrives to live with his family.
The town of Bunsel is in for some adventurous hi-jinx and rule changing as Bobby Junior meets his match in the infamous duo of brains and tricks who refuse to let the generational bullying go on any further.
The Blue Boys Forever take on Big Bobby Boom Junior with hilarious pranks and lessons learned in this easy to read mix of humour, mischief and action geared for the 8-12-year-old reader.
While the book takes a light-hearted tone, the message will still strike a chord amongst readers that can identify with the various forms of bullying portrayed by both Bobby senior and junior. As bullying continues to plague schoolyards and workplaces, this book shows how anyone can fall victim to intimidation, fear, and control at the hands of someone else, regardless of age.
The book also cleverly illustrates how unacceptable behaviour is passed down within families, often allowing for unchecked behaviour to spread as the victims of bullying often respond by bullying others.
Former Fredericton High School student Gregg Seeley has written a humorous junior novel about bullying with a focus on the strength of friendship and family.
Seeley grew up in Rusagonis, is a Armed Forces veteran, an advocate for the anti-bullying movement and now lives with his family in Ontario.
- reviewed by GLORIA NICKERSON
For The Daily Gleaner