Gutless

“The sports may hook readers, but the bullying will land them.”—Kirkus

The wide receiver best able to hang on to his quarterback’s passes, Brock Ripley would be a star for the varsity team—if he could just bring himself to put his body on the line. But he can’t. Just like he can’t bring himself to stand up for his friend Richie Fang, who has been targeted by the quarterback, known for his bullying. As events spiral out of control, Brock is faced with a true test of character. Can he find the courage to step up and do what is right?

• High School Football Story: Brock has the hands and speed to be a star wide receiver, but his fear of getting hit is holding him back from the varsity team.
• An Anti-Bullying Message: When star quarterback Hunter Gates targets new kid Richie Fang, the bullying quickly spirals from taunts and cyberbullying into something much more dangerous.
• Overcoming Fear: Brock knows he should stand up for Richie, but he’s terrified of becoming the next target. His journey is a powerful exploration of finding your courage when it matters most.
• Complex Teen Friendships: As Brock and Richie’s bond deepens, the pressure mounts on Brock to choose between his own safety and his loyalty to a friend who desperately needs him.

"Deuker effectively draws readers into his protagonist’s world..." —Horn Book  "Fans who count on Deuker to put a provocative spin on an already satisfying story won’t be disappointed." —Bulletin  "A well-written offering that deals with coming-of-age, bullying, and exciting sports action; a touchdown for sports collections and reluctant readers." —School Library Journal  "The sports may hook readers, but the bullying will land them." —Kirkus