Books with author David Skuy

?Why can't Bendale change?? seventh-grader Boris Snodbuckle asks his best friend and loyal sidekick, Adrian. ?We have one more year here. I don't wanna waste it --- life's too short. We have to do something.? Leave it to Boris to figure out a way to make life better for the kids at Bendale Public School. He's going to run for president of the student council. As president, he'll be able to fix everything! There's only one problem. His opponent is the most popular boy in school. And hardly anyone really knows Boris. Can he find a way to use his talent for launching wild schemes to garner the votes he needs? Or will it just end up, as usual, getting him suspended from school? As Adrian, the book's narrator, says, ?Don't give up, believe in yourself, be brave and sometimes --- sometimes --- good things happen.? Readers will be rooting for the irrepressible Boris Snodbuckle to win it all in this middle-grade novel by bestselling, award-winning author David Skuy. Offbeat, funny and clever, Boris is ever optimistic that things will work out, and takes his many failures in stride. This heartwarming story has wide appeal for its engrossing and drama-filled plot as well as for the many relatable themes, from bullying, to social groups and popularity, to friendship. Maybe most important of all is the way Boris, clearly a social underdog, becomes the school's unlikely hero simply by being himself. This book also provides terrific lessons on citizenship and leadership.

Thirteen-year-old Cody is aching to get back onto the field. Last year he had a tumor removed from his leg. Though it’s a struggle, Cody tries out for the Lions and makes the team as a “super sub”—one of eleven players who jokingly named themselves that because they’re never allowed to play. Secretly, Cody is relieved, since he hasn’t told anyone on the team that he had cancer. But then there’s a shakeup in team management, and suddenly Cody and the super subs are the only players left. Cody has no choice now but to play, even if his leg does begin to hurt. At an end-of-season tournament it becomes clear that he and another player, Paulo, are close to being the perfect scoring duo. Without being aware of it, Cody has been holding himself back, striking with his left leg instead of his right. When he finally comes clean to his teammates about his disease and injury from the year before, they encourage him to trust his leg and his skill.

The Band of Merry Kids is a rollicking middle-grade adventure set in the mythical Age of Robin Hood.​Pip is a 12-year-old boy who idolizes Robin Hood and bristles at the injustice he sees around him. He also considers his father a coward — a mere wool merchant who pales in comparison to Robin and his Merry Men. Pip and his two cousins accompany Pip’s father to a country fair. Pip makes some new friends — and fights some difficult battles — and it is here with his cousins and friends that he must face the greatest challenge of his life— saving an innocent family from the Sheriff’s dungeon. Along the way, Pip also learns a shocking secret about his father. The Robin Hood legend provides the over-arching morality for The Band of Merry Kids, which explores classic topics such as good vs. evil, father-son relationships, loyalty, friendship and bravery in a great historical adventure.

Seventh-grader Boris Snodbuckle has a strange name, a quirky personality and no chance of beating Robert Pinsent, the most popular boy in school, to become president of the student council. Even Boris’s best friend and sidekick Adrian (the book’s narrator) thinks it’s hopeless. But Boris knows Bendale Public School is sunk if Robert wins, and he won’t let that happen. So watch out people, Operation Save Our School has just begun!With his knack for outrageous adventure (and trouble!) and an unshakable belief in the impossible, the unforgettable Boris Snodbuckle is everybody’s new favorite hero!

Charlie Joyce knows he can play hockey - but can he prove it to his new classmates?Things are not going well for 14-year-old Charlie Joyce. Tragic circumstances have forced his family to move to a new town, and now, as the new kid at Terrence Falls High School, he has a lot to prove. This school and town take their hockey seriously and Charlie wants to be on the team, but the best players in the school have taken a disliking to him and warn him not to bother trying out. Charlie knows he can't back down, and decides to let his game do the talking - no matter how unpopular it will make him.

Thirteen-year-old Cody is aching to get back onto the pitch after he had a tumor removed from his leg last year. He tries out for the Lions and makes the team as a sub. Secretly Cody is relieved, since he hasn't told anyone on the team that he had cancer. But then there's a shakeup in team management and suddenly Cody has no choice but to play, even if his leg does begin to hurt. When he finally comes clean to his teammates about his disease and injury from the year before, they encourage him to trust his leg and his skill.