Gargantua and the Bullies at Pierson High

When Barley Jacobson discovers his neurodivergent friend, Derek, (aka Gargantua) is being bullied because he wants to join the school's soccer team, he challenges the ruffians to an after-school three-on-three soccer scrimmage to prove his friend's worth. However, Barley is unaware of the potential danger to Gargantua because of a secret his friend hides, one connected to a student's death last year. This secret sheds light on why the bully was after Derek.
"Clever and humorous- Every school library needs this book! This anti-bullying story demonstrates how sports, specifically soccer, can bring kids together, even after they've suffered a traumatic loss. As told through the eyes of the main character, Barley, who recognizes his own shortcomings; he manages to control his anger and frustration by working through a difficult situation and standing by his best friend Derek. A challenging game of soccer proves that good guys win in the end! No matter the score."
—MJ LaBeff, award-winning author of the Last Cold Case series
"From page one it felt that Barley was telling me all his inner-most secrets. This was a heart-warming story about strength in friendship. True, it deals with heavier issues, but seeing it through the main character's eyes, it was delivered with humour, hope and compassion. I read this in one sitting with a smile on my face."
—Kristy Brown, author of Kiera's Quest.