The Boy Game

Gr 6–9—This look at bullying from a preteen/teen male perspective packs a powerful message. It opens with Kenny's stream-of-consciousness explanation about staying back in third grade and starting school late, events which, along with a tuft of discolored hair, make him conspicuous at his new middle school. He makes friends with Noel, a shy boy who likes doing back flips and drawing cartoons. When his grandmother dies, Noel starts the school year late. Before he returns, Kenny becomes friends with Reynaldo who is outgoing, but has an edge that borders on mean. When Noel returns, Reynaldo and others in the group Kenny is now part of, bully him both verbally and physically. With a sound track by Moby and no narrator, this understated slice-of-life video is spot-on in allowing viewers to see how conflicted Kenny is about his friendship with Reynaldo and the group, his fear of being ostracized if he sticks up for Noel, and his feelings of guilt. In one scene, Kenny is at Reynaldo's house when his dad unloads on him, and Kenny begins to understand why the boy bullies others. The film ends on a note that invites thought and comment by viewers. Accompanied by a study guide, this is an excellent addition to school and public libraries serving middle school and younger high school students.—John Clark, Hartland Public Library, ME