Top of the Heap!

Monday's Riddle opened up the topic of bullying this week. Lizzy reviewed the middle grade book Wonder by R.J. Palacio, which told the story of Auggie, a disfigured boy struggling to fit in. Lizzy and I thought it would be fun to talk about our favorite "bully" moments from stories that we've read. So...

This week's top of the heap: Best bully put off's

Fairday's Pick: Harry Potter vs. Draco Malfoy
The Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
     
Three boys entered, and Harry recognized the middle one at once: it was the pale boy from Madam Malkin's robe shop. He was looking at Harry with a lot more interest than he'd shown back in Diagon Alley.
     "Is it true?" he said. "They're saying all down the train that Harry Potter's in this compartment. So, it's you, is it?"
     " Yes," said Harry. He was looking at the other boys. Both of them were the thickset and looked extremely mean. Standing on either side of the pale boy, they looked like bodyguards.
     "Oh, this is Crabbe and this is Goyle," said the pale boy carelessly, noticing where Harry was looking. " And my name's Malfoy, Draco Malfoy."
     Ron gave a slight cough, which might have been hiding a snigger. Draco Malfoy looked at him.
     "Think my name's funny, do you?" No need to ask who you are. My father told me all the Weasley's have red hair, freckles, and more children than they can afford."
     He turned back to Harry. "You'll soon find out that some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there."
    He held out his hand to shake Harry's, but Harry didn't take it.
    "I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks," he said coolly.
    Draco Malfo didn't go red, but a pink tinge appeared in his pale cheeks. 

(excerpt from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone/ Chapter 6/ pgs.108,109)

Way to go, Harry! I love how he puts off Draco in this scene. From Harry's cool, unintimidated response, Draco has no place to go, and he knows he can't bully him. Every effort he makes for the rest of the series, his cruel actions never have any real effect on Harry - other than being irritating. Because of Harry's first, passive response, Malfoy knows that he has just made an enemy that won't be intimidated, and it drives him crazy : ) ~ F

Lizzy's Pick: Stanley Yelnats vs The Boys in Group D 
Holes by Louis Sachar

Stanley has to dig holes at Camp Green Lake as a punishment for a crime he did not commit. Not everyone at the detention center is innocent, and some are downright mean. After a little convincing, Stanley agrees to help another camper, Zero, learn to read- as long as Zero helps him dig his hole for an hour a day. The other members of Group D aren't happy that Stanley gets out of an hour of work a day and they begin to pick on him. They are relentless and want Stanley to fight back. The whole time Stanley remains calm and will not rise to the bait. 

He impresses me because he stays polite and doesn't show the other boys that he even cares that they are starting a fight with him. Unfortunately, the adult in charge doesn't quite allow Stanley to handle the situation so peacefully, but that isn't his fault. I like anyone that can put a bully in their place without causing a scene or stooping to their level. ~ L