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.