Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet: How to Deal with Bullies

Gus nudged his friend. "Want to meet someone with blue cheese breath and stinky feet?"

"Hey, Blue Cheese Breath, give me your homework so I can copy it."

I looked into Gus's mean green eyes...

Steve has to do something about Gus. But what? He doesn't know how to make Gus leave him alone. He's afraid to ask for help. And he's afraid things will get even worse if he tells. When his parents find out anyway, Steve is surprised to feel relieved. And when they help him come up with a plan to send Gus on his way, he knows he can do it. The next time Gus tries to bully "Blue Cheese Breath and Stinky Feet," he is in for a big surprise!

From the Dear Reader introduction:

At one time or another, most of us have had to deal with teasing, people saying mean things about us, or others trying to harm us. As a teacher, I've seen many kids hurt by bullying—both the emotional kind and the physical.

It can be hard to feel good about yourself when somebody's making fun of you or threatening you. You might worry that you deserve it, or that people think you're weak, or that you'll get teased or rejected by others if you tell someone. You might be afraid that you're in physical danger. The pain is hard to take, but you don't want to give the bully a reason to hurt you more. You feel alone and don't know where to go for help. What do you do?