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Bluford High #6
Payback
Tyray Hobbs wants revenge. Weeks ago he was one of the most feared students in Bluford High. But then Darrell Mercer publicly humiliated him, and Tyray lost his reputation. To get it back, he must take down Darrell. But how? With a broken hand, a troubled family, and no friends in sight, Tyray's options are limited. And when the kids he once bullied start threatening him, his world completely unravels. Desperate to settle the score and regain respect, Tyray sees only one solution to his problems--a gun.
This book was originally published as THE GUN by Townsend Press.
This book was originally published as THE GUN by Townsend Press.
144 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
318 people are currently reading
4703 people want to read
About the author
Paul Langan
46 books529 followersBorn in Philadelphia, Paul Langan spent his early childhood in the city before moving with his single mother to southern New Jersey. There he attended public school and worked a variety of jobs—including salesperson at a shoe store, attendant at a horse ranch, landscaper at a mental hospital, and a night-shift stockperson in a warehouse store near Atlantic City. “Each job,” he says today, “could be the topic of several juicy novels.”
In 1991, he enrolled at Camden County College and a year later transferred to La Salle University, where he studied creative writing and literature, earning a B.A. in English. While at La Salle, he lived with international students, traveled to his roommate’s home in Kenya, became a prison tutor, and found “the courage” to write.
After graduation, he worked for a nonprofit agency in Philadelphia and then joined Townsend Press (TP) as an Assistant Editor. After he contributed to a number of TP textbooks and taught English at a community college, Paul reconnected to his interests in creative writing through the Bluford Series. Originally working as an assistant with the Bluford novels, Paul’s role steadily grew. He now serves as both editor of the series and author or coauthor of several novels, including The Bully, The Gun, and The Fallen. His stories reflect his personal experiences, including the difficulties of growing up without a father, being the “new kid” in school, and dealing with the loss of a loved one.
In 2001, Paul completed a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to expanding the Bluford Series, he dreams of writing a successful movie script, preferably a “supernatural thriller.” Today Paul lives with his wife and three children near Philadelphia and stubbornly clings to the hope that he will one day see the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl.
In 1991, he enrolled at Camden County College and a year later transferred to La Salle University, where he studied creative writing and literature, earning a B.A. in English. While at La Salle, he lived with international students, traveled to his roommate’s home in Kenya, became a prison tutor, and found “the courage” to write.
After graduation, he worked for a nonprofit agency in Philadelphia and then joined Townsend Press (TP) as an Assistant Editor. After he contributed to a number of TP textbooks and taught English at a community college, Paul reconnected to his interests in creative writing through the Bluford Series. Originally working as an assistant with the Bluford novels, Paul’s role steadily grew. He now serves as both editor of the series and author or coauthor of several novels, including The Bully, The Gun, and The Fallen. His stories reflect his personal experiences, including the difficulties of growing up without a father, being the “new kid” in school, and dealing with the loss of a loved one.
In 2001, Paul completed a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to expanding the Bluford Series, he dreams of writing a successful movie script, preferably a “supernatural thriller.” Today Paul lives with his wife and three children near Philadelphia and stubbornly clings to the hope that he will one day see the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 610 reviews
April 21, 2009
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"The Gun" is the continuation of "The Bully". In "The Bully" Tyray was the freshman bully in high school and he learned to get what he wanted through bullying and intimidation. He often took money from other kids and nearly everyone in the school was afraid of him. Tyray liked the idea of being powerful. At the end of the book Darrel Mercer, the new kid Tyray was bullying, stood up to Tyray and beat him up which caused him to loose his repuation. Tyray began getting laughed at and made fun off. Tyray then gets the idea that the only way for everyone to respect him again is if he gets a gun.
I like the gun because this can happen to anyone. This is reality. Kids in school are bullied all the time. Its just a matter of time before someone turns to a weapon. If you watch the news, this has happened a few times before. There was one incident where a student was always being picked on. Day after day. Then one day he came to school with a gun and killed several students. As police beagn to investigate, the found that ethe student has been planning the event for quite some time. He had diary of all his emotions and the things he wanted to do people. He even had a list of the people he wanted to kill...he killed them...
Another reason i like this book is because it teaches a lesson. I think the phrase "what goes around, comes around" fits this book perfectly. I think this is so because in the begining, Tyray thought he had it all. He took peoples money, made them cry, and bullied people for no reason. In the end Darrel proved he is not undefeatable and Tyray felt as though his only option was a weapon.
Finally this book grabbed my attention not only by the title, but by the topic. "The Gun" is very catchy and that is why i began to read this book, but the way Tyray got the gun is very realistic. He went to a local place in his neighborhood and then someone sold him the gun. It was not only wrong lawfully, it was wrong becasue he's selling a gun to a minor. Guns are accessible to minors in Philadelphia as well. That's a very common way people are killed...a gun.
This is a very great book and i recommend that people should read it. I like it bcause it catches my attention, it teaches a real life lesson, and this can happen to anyone.
"The Gun" is the continuation of "The Bully". In "The Bully" Tyray was the freshman bully in high school and he learned to get what he wanted through bullying and intimidation. He often took money from other kids and nearly everyone in the school was afraid of him. Tyray liked the idea of being powerful. At the end of the book Darrel Mercer, the new kid Tyray was bullying, stood up to Tyray and beat him up which caused him to loose his repuation. Tyray began getting laughed at and made fun off. Tyray then gets the idea that the only way for everyone to respect him again is if he gets a gun.
I like the gun because this can happen to anyone. This is reality. Kids in school are bullied all the time. Its just a matter of time before someone turns to a weapon. If you watch the news, this has happened a few times before. There was one incident where a student was always being picked on. Day after day. Then one day he came to school with a gun and killed several students. As police beagn to investigate, the found that ethe student has been planning the event for quite some time. He had diary of all his emotions and the things he wanted to do people. He even had a list of the people he wanted to kill...he killed them...
Another reason i like this book is because it teaches a lesson. I think the phrase "what goes around, comes around" fits this book perfectly. I think this is so because in the begining, Tyray thought he had it all. He took peoples money, made them cry, and bullied people for no reason. In the end Darrel proved he is not undefeatable and Tyray felt as though his only option was a weapon.
Finally this book grabbed my attention not only by the title, but by the topic. "The Gun" is very catchy and that is why i began to read this book, but the way Tyray got the gun is very realistic. He went to a local place in his neighborhood and then someone sold him the gun. It was not only wrong lawfully, it was wrong becasue he's selling a gun to a minor. Guns are accessible to minors in Philadelphia as well. That's a very common way people are killed...a gun.
This is a very great book and i recommend that people should read it. I like it bcause it catches my attention, it teaches a real life lesson, and this can happen to anyone.
December 23, 2010
Hi my name is Stella and I think that all of you people who like drama/sad/interesting and fun books you should read this because it is very touching how a boy named Tyrone bullies the whole school and then this boy that he mainly picked on did something very regretful that you will have to read to find out. You think that he is mean and vicious but on his other half he is sweet and touching on how respectful he treats his older brother who he hasn't met in years. You wont believe what goes on at his house to find out the reason why he is so mean and rude. So if you wanna know the answer to these untold questions read this book and you will be AMAZED!!!!
December 9, 2008
The story The Gun by Paul Langan is about a bully that ends up getting bullied and loses his bully reputation. His is name is Tyray Hobbs. After he got picked on and bullied by Darrel Mercer. Darrel was the only person to stand up to Tyray. Tyray wanted to get his revenge on Darrel. He wants to buy a gun from this guy that his brother knows. His brother is in jail. The guy tells him that the gun costs 50 dollars. Tyray had to find a way to get the money. He always had money when he was a bully. Tyray pretended to be friends with this girl and lie to her in order to get 50 dollars from her. Tyray endd up getting jumped, therefore losing the money. Tyray ended up stealing money from his mom. He bought the and went to find Darrel. He was about to kill him but he couldn't.
I think the arthur's purpose of this story was to inform and entertain. This story can be very entertaining, but it is also teaching you something. It teaches you that if you become a bully there are consequnces that can come your way and other outcomes that you may not like. I think Paul Langan did a great job on this book. It was very good!
I think the arthur's purpose of this story was to inform and entertain. This story can be very entertaining, but it is also teaching you something. It teaches you that if you become a bully there are consequnces that can come your way and other outcomes that you may not like. I think Paul Langan did a great job on this book. It was very good!
May 14, 2016
The gun by Paul Langan was an amazing book. It had me at the edge of my seat and wanting more the whole time. Tyray Hobbs is a freshman at Bluford High School. He hates school but the one thing that keeps him alive is being a bully. Tyray is six feet tall, muscular and he takes advantage of these things when it comes to school. Tyray is known for intamidating kids and stealing their money but all of that comes to an end when Darrell Mercer comes along. Darrell humiliated Tyray in front of all his friends and now Tyray wants revenge. Now, Tyray thinks the only solution to his problem is a gun.
This book had my heart pounding and my hands shaking. I could not believe how good it was. "The Gun" had me hooked from the beginning all the way to the very end. I was not expecting the ending that I had received and I really think that the ending is what made me rate the book five stars. I really enjoyed this book and I know other people will too.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys young adult or drama. This book was focused on the real life situations that people go through every day. There is no doubt in my mind that someone wouldn't enjoy a book as good as "The Gun."
This book had my heart pounding and my hands shaking. I could not believe how good it was. "The Gun" had me hooked from the beginning all the way to the very end. I was not expecting the ending that I had received and I really think that the ending is what made me rate the book five stars. I really enjoyed this book and I know other people will too.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys young adult or drama. This book was focused on the real life situations that people go through every day. There is no doubt in my mind that someone wouldn't enjoy a book as good as "The Gun."
January 20, 2015
My guilty pleasure book series. <3
An amazing read as always.
An amazing read as always.
February 20, 2014
“The Gun,” is about a young African American man that is still going to high school and is bullying other young men. The young man that is bullying these kids is Tyray Hobbs. He bullies these kids, because he likes the feeling of having power and that people are afraid of him. There was a new kid who started attending school in the beginning of the year, so Tyray targeted him. Tyray did this because he knew he could make him cower and be afraid of him. The young man’s name was Darrell Mercer. Darrell came to Blue Ford High School, because his mom could not find a job on the east coast. She found one on the west coast, so they moved to this new neighborhood. Over the course of the school year, Tyray made Darrell’s life miserable. Darrell joined the wrestling squad and learned how to defend himself. The next time Tyray tried to bully Darrell, Darrell fought back and made Tyray look weak and helpless. After Darrell stuck up for himself, Tyray went out on the street looking for a way to get back at Darrell. Tyray found a man that sold guns on the black market. Tyray bought a gun from the man for fifty dollars and planned on taking it to school to scare kids, so that he would feel powerful again. After he got the gun, he started telling people at school that he had a gun. Everyone at school stayed clear of him, and no one talked to him. After the first day of having the gun, he had the principal concerned for the other kids' safety. She was concerned, because rumors where going around Blue Ford High School about Tyray having a gun. The second day had the same result as the first day. That night Tyray went to the store where Darrell worked and waited to him to get off work. Darrell got off work, Tyray was waiting for him in an alley way. Tyray saw him coming down the alley and jumped out and tackled Darrell off his bike. Tyray brought him to the ground. After they both hit the ground Tyray pulled out his gun and put it in Darrell’s face. Tyray threatened to kill him right there, but he was remembering all the things people said to him. Tyary lowered the gun and broke down crying. Then Tyray put the gun to his head and pulled the trigger. Darrell lounged at Tyray and knocked the gun out of his hand before Tyray pulled the trigger. They both hit the ground and talked things over. They both cleared things up between them. After they talked things over they both walked away like the whole thing never happened.
Tyray is a young man that attends high school on the west coast. He had been raised by an abusive father, his older brother is in prison, and his mom is always gone working, then she comes home and cleans the house, so that Tyray’s father does not get upset and abuse them. Tyray and his family live on the bad side of town, and Tyray is always around bad things and bad examples. The only person Tyray had to look up to was his older brother. He and his older brother got along well when they were little, but then Tyray’s brother grew up and started hanging out with his friends and doing bad things. A few of the times when he had done bad things Tyray had been there and watched him do those things. Tyray thought that these things were okay to do. Tyray started stealing and bullying other kids at school, making him feel powerful.
The setting of this story starts off in a large high school in the middle 1990's, about a boy that has grown up in a bad neighborhood, in an unstable home. Tyray is about 17 years old, summer break just ended, and there is a new kid in his class and Tyray wants him to feel miserable. After about a month of Tyray bullying Darrell, Darrell fought back and broke Tyray's arm. Two weeks later Tyray was getting picked on in school by kids that he used to pick on, and bully. Tyray set out on the street to find a gun. Tyray found a man named Bones that sold guns. Tyray asked Bones if he could buy a gun from him. Bones told him to come back in a weeks time to buy the gun. One week later Tyray got the fifty dollars for the gun and set out to find Bones. Tyray picked the gun up from Bones and plotted his revenge against Darrell, for what he did to Tyray. Then the setting changes from the high school, to the street, and then to an alleyway behind a grocery store where Darrell works.
The theme of the story is that no matter what happens to you in your lif. Taking a life is never worth the satisfaction, and taking you own life does not make it better. It only makes the people around you hurt more than if you would have just confronted them about the problem.
I recommend this book to high school kids that like reading about troubled people. This book teaches a lot of good lessons, and I believe that it may change someone's life. I feel that this book was very moving and kept me on my toes at all times. “The Gun” ended with a surprising twist, that I was not expecting at all. I recommend this book to you to read on a weekend. It is a short, easy read that is very easy to follow.
January 13, 2015
This was a pretty good book. It is a little too easy to read though. I read through it very fast but it was still decent. Even though I liked it I would not read it again.
The plot of this book is that there is a kid named Tyray that bullied other kids ever since middle school. He is very big in a muscular way so no one could do anything to fight back. His life at home isn’t very good. His dad threatens to beat him and would make good on his threat. His mom doesn’t do anything about it. His older brother, who he was very close to, was sent to prison for an armed robbery. His parents disowned him after that. Back to the present, a new kid who was quite small, moved to the school and Tyray was excited to bully him and take his lunch money. He did so, and as a result, Darrel joined wrestling . A few months later Tyray tried to bully him in the lunchroom and Darrel flipped him and broke Tyray’s arm . Tyray cried in front of everyone and no one was afraid of him anymore. People started to make fun of him and mock him. Tyray then found a gangster on the streets and was offered a gun. About two weeks later Tyray got enough money to buy the gun. Tyray told his old friend about the gun and told him to spread the news so people would be afraid of him. It worked well and everyone knew by the next day. The principal heard and searched his backpack and locker but Tyray had left the gun at home. That night Darrel was at work until 8:00 so Tyray went at 7:50 to wait for him outside of his work. When Darrel got out of work Tyray tackled him off his bike and aimed the gun at him.
After a few minutes of standing there and thinking about it Tyray decided he didn’t want to go through with it because he would end up in too much trouble, just like his brother. Instead, Tyray tried to kill himself but Darrel slapped the gun out of his hand as he pulled the trigger. Tyray was lying on the ground and realized he needed help and wanted to change. Darrel reached out to help him up. The two walked off, as Darrel promised that this was just between the two of them and nobody else needed to know. As they reached the end of a dark alley, Darrel and Tyray ended up walking off in opposite directions. Tyray had apologized and knew that his life was going to change. Although he was unsure about what was going to happen next, he headed home. He was afraid to face his parents. Tyray decided that he needed to come straight and so he told his parents the whole story.
I would recommend this book to at least high schoolers or people that are mature enough to handle talking about difficult social issues such as murder and suicide because those subjects are discussed in the book. Also, I would recommend it to those that want a quick and easy read because this book doesn’t take much time to get through. It is recommended for a reading level 5.2.
The plot of this book is that there is a kid named Tyray that bullied other kids ever since middle school. He is very big in a muscular way so no one could do anything to fight back. His life at home isn’t very good. His dad threatens to beat him and would make good on his threat. His mom doesn’t do anything about it. His older brother, who he was very close to, was sent to prison for an armed robbery. His parents disowned him after that. Back to the present, a new kid who was quite small, moved to the school and Tyray was excited to bully him and take his lunch money. He did so, and as a result, Darrel joined wrestling . A few months later Tyray tried to bully him in the lunchroom and Darrel flipped him and broke Tyray’s arm . Tyray cried in front of everyone and no one was afraid of him anymore. People started to make fun of him and mock him. Tyray then found a gangster on the streets and was offered a gun. About two weeks later Tyray got enough money to buy the gun. Tyray told his old friend about the gun and told him to spread the news so people would be afraid of him. It worked well and everyone knew by the next day. The principal heard and searched his backpack and locker but Tyray had left the gun at home. That night Darrel was at work until 8:00 so Tyray went at 7:50 to wait for him outside of his work. When Darrel got out of work Tyray tackled him off his bike and aimed the gun at him.
After a few minutes of standing there and thinking about it Tyray decided he didn’t want to go through with it because he would end up in too much trouble, just like his brother. Instead, Tyray tried to kill himself but Darrel slapped the gun out of his hand as he pulled the trigger. Tyray was lying on the ground and realized he needed help and wanted to change. Darrel reached out to help him up. The two walked off, as Darrel promised that this was just between the two of them and nobody else needed to know. As they reached the end of a dark alley, Darrel and Tyray ended up walking off in opposite directions. Tyray had apologized and knew that his life was going to change. Although he was unsure about what was going to happen next, he headed home. He was afraid to face his parents. Tyray decided that he needed to come straight and so he told his parents the whole story.
I would recommend this book to at least high schoolers or people that are mature enough to handle talking about difficult social issues such as murder and suicide because those subjects are discussed in the book. Also, I would recommend it to those that want a quick and easy read because this book doesn’t take much time to get through. It is recommended for a reading level 5.2.
April 20, 2010
I read The Gun by Paul Langan. In this book, the main character, Tyray, is his high school's biggest bully and that is his only known way to be accepted by his peers. When one of his victims, Darrell, decides to stand up to him, the kid flips him and drops him on his wrist breaking it on the spot. This lead to Tyray not being as feared or respected as he was before. People made fun of him instead of vice versa. He was determined to get revenge but didn't know how. Then, he got a good (or bad) idea. He was going to get a gun. After a failed attempt, he finally got his gun and got his respect back as he wanted. Then he decided to kill Darrell. when he finally got the chance, he couldn't and almost committed suicide. Darrell saved him and lead to him feeling better and resolving his problems peacefully.
I personally thought this book was giving a good message but it wasn't as entertaining or capturing as others. It was relatively small in size and meant for younger or beginning readers. The vocabulary wasn't advanced and the plot wasn't exciting. I do congratulate the author in that I never drifted off or daydreamed while reading but I think this may be due to the fact there wasn't very much book to drift away from. The message as I said before was common and we have all seen these stories before. However, it WAS present and positive. It said to me violence is not the answer. I agree with that and liked that the author was trying to communicate it. He also did it well. It was quite obvious. Overall, I liked the book and appreciated it but would not recommend it to older or more advanced readers.
-Mac Speed
I personally thought this book was giving a good message but it wasn't as entertaining or capturing as others. It was relatively small in size and meant for younger or beginning readers. The vocabulary wasn't advanced and the plot wasn't exciting. I do congratulate the author in that I never drifted off or daydreamed while reading but I think this may be due to the fact there wasn't very much book to drift away from. The message as I said before was common and we have all seen these stories before. However, it WAS present and positive. It said to me violence is not the answer. I agree with that and liked that the author was trying to communicate it. He also did it well. It was quite obvious. Overall, I liked the book and appreciated it but would not recommend it to older or more advanced readers.
-Mac Speed
March 13, 2014
I read "The Gun" by Paul Langan. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, because it flowed very well and was never boring. In the beginning the main character, Tyray Hobbs, is a bully. He beats people up and takes their money because he thinks that gets him respect. One day a boy, Darrell, stands up to him and breaks Tyray's wrist. He becomes the laughing stock of the school, and thinks the only way to get back their respect is to get a gun. He steals and lies to get enough money to buy a gun and waits outside of Darrells' work to kill him. Tyray is about to kill him but then turns the gun on himself. Darrell tackles Tyray before he can shoot himself and Tyray becomes a totally different person.
Tyray is the main character as well as a dynamic character. Throughout the book he realizes that intimidating people is not the right way to earn respect. He looks up to his brother a lot, and that is the reason he doesn't kill Darrell. Darrell remains the same throughout the book. He is always positive and tries constantly to be friends with Tyray.
The book is set in an unknown city in California. It takes place mainly at Bluford High School and Tyray's house. There is no specific time, but the events seem similar to current day issues.
Overall I would give "The Gun" four out of five stars. I would recommend it to most readers, because it has a simple vocabulary and would interest most readers. The book has a very good message and is an easy read for anyone who likes intense action.
Tyray is the main character as well as a dynamic character. Throughout the book he realizes that intimidating people is not the right way to earn respect. He looks up to his brother a lot, and that is the reason he doesn't kill Darrell. Darrell remains the same throughout the book. He is always positive and tries constantly to be friends with Tyray.
The book is set in an unknown city in California. It takes place mainly at Bluford High School and Tyray's house. There is no specific time, but the events seem similar to current day issues.
Overall I would give "The Gun" four out of five stars. I would recommend it to most readers, because it has a simple vocabulary and would interest most readers. The book has a very good message and is an easy read for anyone who likes intense action.
April 30, 2014
"The Gun" by Paul Langan. I liked the book because you never knew what was going to happen next. Tyray Hobbs is the bully in school. He threatens and beats people up to get their money and to make them scared of him. One day a kid named Darrell stood up to him and breaks his wrist. Tyray becomes a joke around school. He thinks if he would buy a gun, he would get his status at school back. He lies to get enough money to buy a gun, and then waits outside of Darrell’s workplace to get his revenge back. Tyray is about to kill Darrell but then points the gun to his own head. Darrell tackles Tyray before he can shoot himself.
Tyray is the main character. Throughout the book he realizes that picking on people is not the way to earn respect. He looks up to his brother and because of this he doesn't kill Darrell. Darrell remains the same throughout the book. He tries to be friends with Tyray multiple times.
The book takes place in a city in California. Most of the story takes place at Bluford High School or Tyray's house. It does not say the year this story took place, but it sounds like present day.
I would give this book five out of five stars. I would recommend it to middle school age kids to young adults who like action packed books and interesting reads.
Tyray is the main character. Throughout the book he realizes that picking on people is not the way to earn respect. He looks up to his brother and because of this he doesn't kill Darrell. Darrell remains the same throughout the book. He tries to be friends with Tyray multiple times.
The book takes place in a city in California. Most of the story takes place at Bluford High School or Tyray's house. It does not say the year this story took place, but it sounds like present day.
I would give this book five out of five stars. I would recommend it to middle school age kids to young adults who like action packed books and interesting reads.
September 1, 2018
4.5
As I've read a few books in this series, I've found this one compelling as it gave a step by step look at bullying & some of reasons bullying occurs. The main character, Tyray, a known bully, is outsmarted by one of his victims during a school fight. While his bullying powers had been momentarily ceased, his anger led to his want for a gun to regain his so-called "power". Family dynamics & school personnel had a much needed appearance. This book has a bit of suspense as the ending approached. While I'm not reading these books in order, they are written well enough to understand the storyline, the characters & the situations.
As I've read a few books in this series, I've found this one compelling as it gave a step by step look at bullying & some of reasons bullying occurs. The main character, Tyray, a known bully, is outsmarted by one of his victims during a school fight. While his bullying powers had been momentarily ceased, his anger led to his want for a gun to regain his so-called "power". Family dynamics & school personnel had a much needed appearance. This book has a bit of suspense as the ending approached. While I'm not reading these books in order, they are written well enough to understand the storyline, the characters & the situations.
February 8, 2024
I wanted to revisit this to see if it was actually good like I remember or if it was just nostalgia.. I actually ended up thinking it’s pretty decent and a great introduction for young people to some heavy topics! It presents themes of trauma, abuse, the prison system, masculinity, respect & revenge. It’s all pretty surface level of course but done in an easy to understand way that I think is great for teens/pre-teens. I did find the end a little lackluster but it does open up people to discuss what possible outcomes could happen and the different paths Tyray could go down.
December 10, 2014
My book is about a boy an her is getting bulied by this girl and he got tierd of it from the past time also the time finally came and he stood up to the girl and he said stop bulling me nobody likes me and thats why u dont have any friend and she stoped bulling him because he stood up to himself so she can stop
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March 1, 2019Personal Response
I liked the book > Payback by Paul Langan. I found the whole book to be very interesting and gave great detail. There was never a downfall in the plot of the book, and it always kept me wondering what will happen next.
Plot
In the beginning of the book, Tyray Hobbs was the school bully. He has always towered over all of his classmates in height and used his strength to his advantage. One day at school, he noticed there was a new kid, and his name was Darrell. Tyray was giving him a hard time at lunch, and Darrell tackled Tyray to the ground which broke his arm. The whole school looked at Tyray and laughed. He was no longer scary or a threat to everyone. Tyray was mad and he was bound to get payback. He thought he needed a gun. He looked all over for someone to sell him a gun, and the first time he got set up and jumped. The second time when he went to buy a gun, it was from an old friend: Bones. Bones had talked a little sense into Tyray before he sold the gun and explained that if he killed someone, the look on their face will be stuck in his eyes for the rest of his life. After Tyray got the gun, he went to find Darrell and attacked him in an alley. He could not shoot because all of his emotions hit him at once and Darrell took the gun away and threw it. They both talked it out and went their separate ways. Tyray went home and talked to his parents about getting help.
Characterization
Tyray Hobbs was the main character in the book. He was the bully who lost his fame from being beat in a fight. Throughout the book, he did all that he could to get his revenge on the new kid.
Darrell Mercer was the new kid in school who beat Tyray in a fight. He broke Tyray’s arm and did not know what he was capable of when it came time for payback.
Bones was the character who sold Tyray the gun and talked to him about the outcome of killing someone.
Setting
The book > Payback took place in Bluford High School. Tyray Hobbs was the biggest and meanest person around, until the day he lost his fame. The setting of the book was important to the plot of this book because it all revolved around what happened at school.
Theme
Tyray was the school bully and all he wanted was to see the look on kid’s faces when he tormented them. He never thought about the day someone would beat him in a fight until it happened. Everyone used to be afraid of his presence and now he is just a laughing matter to his classmates.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book to boys and girls ages 14 and older because of the violence that takes place in the book. With the thoughts of killing someone and having a gun involved in violence should not read by younger children.
I liked the book > Payback by Paul Langan. I found the whole book to be very interesting and gave great detail. There was never a downfall in the plot of the book, and it always kept me wondering what will happen next.
Plot
In the beginning of the book, Tyray Hobbs was the school bully. He has always towered over all of his classmates in height and used his strength to his advantage. One day at school, he noticed there was a new kid, and his name was Darrell. Tyray was giving him a hard time at lunch, and Darrell tackled Tyray to the ground which broke his arm. The whole school looked at Tyray and laughed. He was no longer scary or a threat to everyone. Tyray was mad and he was bound to get payback. He thought he needed a gun. He looked all over for someone to sell him a gun, and the first time he got set up and jumped. The second time when he went to buy a gun, it was from an old friend: Bones. Bones had talked a little sense into Tyray before he sold the gun and explained that if he killed someone, the look on their face will be stuck in his eyes for the rest of his life. After Tyray got the gun, he went to find Darrell and attacked him in an alley. He could not shoot because all of his emotions hit him at once and Darrell took the gun away and threw it. They both talked it out and went their separate ways. Tyray went home and talked to his parents about getting help.
Characterization
Tyray Hobbs was the main character in the book. He was the bully who lost his fame from being beat in a fight. Throughout the book, he did all that he could to get his revenge on the new kid.
Darrell Mercer was the new kid in school who beat Tyray in a fight. He broke Tyray’s arm and did not know what he was capable of when it came time for payback.
Bones was the character who sold Tyray the gun and talked to him about the outcome of killing someone.
Setting
The book > Payback took place in Bluford High School. Tyray Hobbs was the biggest and meanest person around, until the day he lost his fame. The setting of the book was important to the plot of this book because it all revolved around what happened at school.
Theme
Tyray was the school bully and all he wanted was to see the look on kid’s faces when he tormented them. He never thought about the day someone would beat him in a fight until it happened. Everyone used to be afraid of his presence and now he is just a laughing matter to his classmates.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book to boys and girls ages 14 and older because of the violence that takes place in the book. With the thoughts of killing someone and having a gun involved in violence should not read by younger children.
Read
March 28, 2017This book was very interesting to me. I liked how this book made a bad person look bad and a good person look good. I disliked how weapons were a big thing in this book, even though the outcome of the book was very good and nothing negative. This book inspired me to report bad problems when I see them. I enjoy that this book have an series to it and that each and every book connects together to make everything not boring to read.
December 12, 2024
It was nice to have read a small book and accomplish something i should’ve done when i was younger but had no interest or love in reading. It’s not for my demographic which is why i rate it so low but if i was in middle school i probably would have thought the book was so profound. I just finished it not too long ago but i only remember one characters name in the books Tyreek and only cause it was uniquely written that i even remember it.
October 5, 2017
I liked this book because I would always have to stop at a good part and couldn't wait to know what was happening next if you like crime and stuff like that then you would like this book because it is full of it.
March 4, 2021
Read this for school as one of my students was also reading it. The storyline is definitely relevant for my older students.
March 24, 2024
This story was very much necessary. I loved it.
May 31, 2024
never been so proud of a person inside a book, but that’s what this series does to you, for real. honestly, i didn’t expect that outcome but i should’ve known.
February 1, 2025
This book is a middle school classic
December 20, 2019
This book was a page-turner. I wanted to know what happened next and if Tyray went through with it.
January 19, 2015
This was a pretty good book. It is a little too easy to read though. I read through it very fast but it was still decent. Even though I liked it I would not read it again.
The plot of this book is that there is a kid named Tyray that bullied other kids ever since middle school. He is very big in a muscular way so no one could do anything to fight back. His life at home isn’t very good. His dad threatens to beat him and would make good on his threat. His mom doesn’t do anything about it. His older brother, who he was very close to, was sent to prison for an armed robbery. His parents disowned him after that. Back to the present, a new kid who was quite small, moved to the school and Tyray was excited to bully him and take his lunch money. He did so, and as a result, Darrel joined wrestling . A few months later Tyray tried to bully him in the lunchroom and Darrel flipped him and broke Tyray’s arm . Tyray cried in front of everyone and no one was afraid of him anymore. People started to make fun of him and mock him. Tyray then found a gangster on the streets and was offered a gun. About two weeks later Tyray got enough money to buy the gun. Tyray told his old friend about the gun and told him to spread the news so people would be afraid of him. It worked well and everyone knew by the next day. The principal heard and searched his backpack and locker but Tyray had left the gun at home. That night Darrel was at work until 8:00 so Tyray went at 7:50 to wait for him outside of his work. When Darrel got out of work Tyray tackled him off his bike and aimed the gun at him. After a few minutes of standing there and thinking about it Tyray decided he didn’t want to go through with it because he would end up in too much trouble, just like his brother. Instead, Tyray tried to kill himself but Darrel slapped the gun out of his hand as he pulled the trigger. Tyray was lying on the ground and realized he needed help and wanted to change. Darrel reached out to help him up. The two walked off, as Darrel promised that this was just between the two of them and nobody else needed to know. As they reached the end of a dark alley, Darrel and Tyray ended up walking off in opposite directions. Tyray had apologized and knew that his life was going to change. Although he was unsure about what was going to happen next, he headed home. He was afraid to face his parents. Tyray decided that he needed to come straight and so he told his parents the whole story.
I would recommend this book to at least high schoolers or people that are mature enough to handle talking about difficult social issues such as murder and suicide because those subjects are discussed in the book. Also, I would recommend it to those that want a quick and easy read because this book doesn’t take much time to get through. It is recommended for a reading level 5.2.
The plot of this book is that there is a kid named Tyray that bullied other kids ever since middle school. He is very big in a muscular way so no one could do anything to fight back. His life at home isn’t very good. His dad threatens to beat him and would make good on his threat. His mom doesn’t do anything about it. His older brother, who he was very close to, was sent to prison for an armed robbery. His parents disowned him after that. Back to the present, a new kid who was quite small, moved to the school and Tyray was excited to bully him and take his lunch money. He did so, and as a result, Darrel joined wrestling . A few months later Tyray tried to bully him in the lunchroom and Darrel flipped him and broke Tyray’s arm . Tyray cried in front of everyone and no one was afraid of him anymore. People started to make fun of him and mock him. Tyray then found a gangster on the streets and was offered a gun. About two weeks later Tyray got enough money to buy the gun. Tyray told his old friend about the gun and told him to spread the news so people would be afraid of him. It worked well and everyone knew by the next day. The principal heard and searched his backpack and locker but Tyray had left the gun at home. That night Darrel was at work until 8:00 so Tyray went at 7:50 to wait for him outside of his work. When Darrel got out of work Tyray tackled him off his bike and aimed the gun at him. After a few minutes of standing there and thinking about it Tyray decided he didn’t want to go through with it because he would end up in too much trouble, just like his brother. Instead, Tyray tried to kill himself but Darrel slapped the gun out of his hand as he pulled the trigger. Tyray was lying on the ground and realized he needed help and wanted to change. Darrel reached out to help him up. The two walked off, as Darrel promised that this was just between the two of them and nobody else needed to know. As they reached the end of a dark alley, Darrel and Tyray ended up walking off in opposite directions. Tyray had apologized and knew that his life was going to change. Although he was unsure about what was going to happen next, he headed home. He was afraid to face his parents. Tyray decided that he needed to come straight and so he told his parents the whole story.
I would recommend this book to at least high schoolers or people that are mature enough to handle talking about difficult social issues such as murder and suicide because those subjects are discussed in the book. Also, I would recommend it to those that want a quick and easy read because this book doesn’t take much time to get through. It is recommended for a reading level 5.2.
January 21, 2016
Personal Response: The book The Gun was a very good book. It was a very attention-grabbing book that I could not stop reading once I picked it up. I thought it was cool that the kid who was getting picked on by Tyray, the main character, in the cafeteria stood up for himself, even though he was way smaller. This book had a really good storyline and kept me trapped into the story.
Plot: This book is the sequel to The Bully, this book is about Bluford freshman Tyray Hobbs, who picks on another kid named Darrell Mercer. The book shows how Tyray's life at home is very hard and troubling. Like how his family is poor and struggles to feed their kids and survive. It shows his desire to rebuild his reputation after Darrell stood up to him and made him look weak. It also shows how bad he tries to get revenge on Darrell for ruining his reputation for finally standing up to him.
Impacts of setting: The book took place at Blueford High School. When Tyray wasn't at the high school he hated, he was at his house or running the streets without permission. When Tyray bought his gun, he was in a back alley behind the fast food place in town. Tyray lived in a big city, New York. He loved it there, he had everything he had ever wanted there.
Characterization: Tyray was the main character of the story, he was a black, seventeen year old. His brother, Warren, was in prison for robbing a corner store with a gun. Tyray had a mom and a dad but his dad was very strict and sometimes abusive. They never really got along much. Warren always wrote Tyray from prison to pass time, Tyray needed someone ta talk to anyways. Another main character was Darrel Mercer, Tyray's biggest enemy in school. He was the kid that stood up for himself, and threw Tyray to the ground, breaking his wrist. Tyray lost his reputation because of Mercer. Nobody in school talked to him and everyone hated him for being a bully.
Thematic Connection: I think that the lesson learned here is what goes around comes back around. In the book Tyray is a bully to everyone and everybody is afraid of him because of his size. Well one day he picked on the wrong kid one to many times and got a little taste of his own medicine. I think there are a lot of kids and even adults that need to learn that lesson because some people are set up on a high horse thinking that they are better than everyone else. Once they get knocked down off of that high horse they see what its really like and might be able to learn a little something from it.
I would recommend this book to anyone that can comprehend it. Its a very good book that didn't make me bored of reading half way through. The more I kept reading the more I liked it and kept reading. I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
Plot: This book is the sequel to The Bully, this book is about Bluford freshman Tyray Hobbs, who picks on another kid named Darrell Mercer. The book shows how Tyray's life at home is very hard and troubling. Like how his family is poor and struggles to feed their kids and survive. It shows his desire to rebuild his reputation after Darrell stood up to him and made him look weak. It also shows how bad he tries to get revenge on Darrell for ruining his reputation for finally standing up to him.
Impacts of setting: The book took place at Blueford High School. When Tyray wasn't at the high school he hated, he was at his house or running the streets without permission. When Tyray bought his gun, he was in a back alley behind the fast food place in town. Tyray lived in a big city, New York. He loved it there, he had everything he had ever wanted there.
Characterization: Tyray was the main character of the story, he was a black, seventeen year old. His brother, Warren, was in prison for robbing a corner store with a gun. Tyray had a mom and a dad but his dad was very strict and sometimes abusive. They never really got along much. Warren always wrote Tyray from prison to pass time, Tyray needed someone ta talk to anyways. Another main character was Darrel Mercer, Tyray's biggest enemy in school. He was the kid that stood up for himself, and threw Tyray to the ground, breaking his wrist. Tyray lost his reputation because of Mercer. Nobody in school talked to him and everyone hated him for being a bully.
Thematic Connection: I think that the lesson learned here is what goes around comes back around. In the book Tyray is a bully to everyone and everybody is afraid of him because of his size. Well one day he picked on the wrong kid one to many times and got a little taste of his own medicine. I think there are a lot of kids and even adults that need to learn that lesson because some people are set up on a high horse thinking that they are better than everyone else. Once they get knocked down off of that high horse they see what its really like and might be able to learn a little something from it.
I would recommend this book to anyone that can comprehend it. Its a very good book that didn't make me bored of reading half way through. The more I kept reading the more I liked it and kept reading. I rate this book a 4 out of 5 stars.
January 10, 2014
This story is about a high school student named Tyray. He was a very feared bully in his school until a new freshman named Darrell beat up Tyray and broke his arm. After that happened Tyray goes back to school and is picked on by everyone and gets no respect from anyone. So throughout this story he tries to get his respect back but can not so then Tyray buys a gun and is going to shoot Darrell to get him back for what he did. When Tyray goes to shoot Darrell rather than shooting Darell he attempts to shoot himself because of all the pressure his dad puts on him about getting good grades and not being like his older brother which is in jail for crimes.
A character in this story of course is the main character. His name is Tyray he is a big bully at Bluford High School but then turns into the biggest joke around school buy our next character. This character is Darrell he is a skinny little freshman that gets tired of being bullied into giving Tyray his lunch money and always fearing Tyray. So they end up getting into a fight and Darrell wins and brakes Tyray’s arm. Another character in this story is Lark. She is a girl who tries to help Tyray out and tries to see the good in him but it all doesn't end up working out between them. Lark is the person in this story who gives Tyray the money for a gun but she didn't know it was for a gun she thought the money was for a present that Tyray wanted to get his mom.
This story takes place in modern day. Most of the story takes place at Tyrays school which is Bluford High School but after he gets into the fight and brakes his arm the go back and forth between the streets and the school. Once in a while they go to his house which is a moderate home that is not that fancy but it keeps a roof over his head.
In this story the author tries to teach people that if something happens and it really affects you that it will end up getting better. He also tries to show you that if you need help from someone that people are always there for you even if it is just a friend or even a teacher they will look out for your best interest. The author also tries to show the pressure that school can have on people whether it is grades or even getting bullied by someone.
I think this book would be good for young adults of either gender. This book is a thriller at times like when they go to the streets and he is doing illegal things. This book also shows what goes on during school very well. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a solid story line that has great characters and has a great ending.
A character in this story of course is the main character. His name is Tyray he is a big bully at Bluford High School but then turns into the biggest joke around school buy our next character. This character is Darrell he is a skinny little freshman that gets tired of being bullied into giving Tyray his lunch money and always fearing Tyray. So they end up getting into a fight and Darrell wins and brakes Tyray’s arm. Another character in this story is Lark. She is a girl who tries to help Tyray out and tries to see the good in him but it all doesn't end up working out between them. Lark is the person in this story who gives Tyray the money for a gun but she didn't know it was for a gun she thought the money was for a present that Tyray wanted to get his mom.
This story takes place in modern day. Most of the story takes place at Tyrays school which is Bluford High School but after he gets into the fight and brakes his arm the go back and forth between the streets and the school. Once in a while they go to his house which is a moderate home that is not that fancy but it keeps a roof over his head.
In this story the author tries to teach people that if something happens and it really affects you that it will end up getting better. He also tries to show you that if you need help from someone that people are always there for you even if it is just a friend or even a teacher they will look out for your best interest. The author also tries to show the pressure that school can have on people whether it is grades or even getting bullied by someone.
I think this book would be good for young adults of either gender. This book is a thriller at times like when they go to the streets and he is doing illegal things. This book also shows what goes on during school very well. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a solid story line that has great characters and has a great ending.
October 23, 2018
the gun was a very good book about Tyray Hobbs seeking revenged on Darrel Mercer a kid who he used to bully but when Darrel stood up for himself and broke trays arm, Tyray became the laughing stock of the school. Filled with anger he think the only way to gain back his power is to get a gun
Read
May 27, 2011This book was a fast read that’s why I chose it. The setting would be in Buford in California. Tyray is the main character. He’s tall skinny and he is African American. The book is about the kid Tyray is a bull and one time he was bulling someone else and the kid took him down and broke his wrist. And then he goes to school the next day and he meets this girl lark she likes him. Then after school he goes to this fast food place and meets bones the guy who will later sell him the gun he talks to this guy and he says wait a week to see if you’re really ready to have a gun. as he is walking home he goes past this basket ball place and these guys come out and steal his coat and ruff him up a bit then they thru his coat on top of the roof. He asks this older lady if she could get his coat and she said show me some respect and ill give it back. Tyray got home and lied to his dad and said he was looking for a job and then his dad went off about how his grades are bad and he isn’t going to make it any were if he goes on the same track. Then he went back to find the guy with the gun and he didn’t have the money he forgot it at home then he goes to school and his teacher was talking to him about how he was bullied. Then he saw derrly the kid who broke his wrist and he asked why they had to be enemies and he said payback is soon lark gave him the money for the "necklace" for his mom when he was really going to get the gun. After school he was told to meet the guy with the gun behind the gym and so he sneaks out and meets him he got pickpocket wile he was there waiting. Then he goes to school the next day and he has a assemble and he sits with lark and she says that she talked to his mom and she said it wasn’t her birthday. Then he goes home to get more money from his moms dresser and takes the money and goes off for the gun he meets the guy and he sells him the gun cause he really needs the money. He gets the gun ad goes to where derrly rides home at and tackles him and points the gun at him then he points it at himself and shoots it off in to the sky. gets home and his teacher Mr. Michel and he talks to them about the last week and what had happen school thinks he owns a gun and he’s dangerous main conflict is he gets beat by the kid he was bulling problem fixed buy a gun the book was good overall what kept me reading is cause i wanted to figure out who got shot and if he was going to get the gun.
October 15, 2014
My personal response to this story is that I really liked this book. I literally have never read a full book like this in my entire life. But I guess it was just time to start now. This book dragged me right in after the first three pages. It kept me interested in it and I never wanted to put it down. It was a great book.
The plot mostly takes place at Bluford High school, where Tyray was a bully. He bullied everybody and everybody was afraid of him. Until Darrell Mercer made everything change by taking Tyray to the ground. Everyone had changed the way the thought of Tyray. He was just a punk. Tryay hates how his life is going now so he wants to get a gun so he can scare everyone again. Once he gets the gun, he gets a hold of Darrell and almost kills him, but then realizes that it’s not worth it and tries to kill himself. But then Darrell pushes him away as he fires the gun and misses. He heads back home to find his family worried sick for him. Tyray realizes that he can just tell his Parents since he thinks they care now.
The characters in this story made me want to not put the book down. The way the talked to each other and how detailed there conversations got. Tyray’s Father seemed to be a bad father, he always yelled and beat Tyray and his mother, who was an innocent, loving mom for Tyray and his older brother. His older brother was in jail for stupid decisions he had done. Lark was a freshman girl who liked Tyray because she thought he was a good kid. But then realized who he really was. Darrell was a small wrestler who turned Tyray’s life around by throwing him to the ground and breaking his wrist even more than it was.
The location of most of this story taking place was at Bluford High School and Tyray’s neighborhood in a small town in California. Some other events happen at the Gym and a small burger joint. Where the gun is involved. It also takes place in a dark alley towards the end of the book. Where Tyray finally gets a hold of Darrell, and almost kills himself.
For people who really never or don’t like to read, read this book. Or any of the Bluford High books. I recommend this book strongly for those kind of people. It really drags you right in and you don’t even know it. The books aren’t very long and it feels so short once you’re done. It will make you want to read the whole series. Again it was a very good book and I recommend it.
The plot mostly takes place at Bluford High school, where Tyray was a bully. He bullied everybody and everybody was afraid of him. Until Darrell Mercer made everything change by taking Tyray to the ground. Everyone had changed the way the thought of Tyray. He was just a punk. Tryay hates how his life is going now so he wants to get a gun so he can scare everyone again. Once he gets the gun, he gets a hold of Darrell and almost kills him, but then realizes that it’s not worth it and tries to kill himself. But then Darrell pushes him away as he fires the gun and misses. He heads back home to find his family worried sick for him. Tyray realizes that he can just tell his Parents since he thinks they care now.
The characters in this story made me want to not put the book down. The way the talked to each other and how detailed there conversations got. Tyray’s Father seemed to be a bad father, he always yelled and beat Tyray and his mother, who was an innocent, loving mom for Tyray and his older brother. His older brother was in jail for stupid decisions he had done. Lark was a freshman girl who liked Tyray because she thought he was a good kid. But then realized who he really was. Darrell was a small wrestler who turned Tyray’s life around by throwing him to the ground and breaking his wrist even more than it was.
The location of most of this story taking place was at Bluford High School and Tyray’s neighborhood in a small town in California. Some other events happen at the Gym and a small burger joint. Where the gun is involved. It also takes place in a dark alley towards the end of the book. Where Tyray finally gets a hold of Darrell, and almost kills himself.
For people who really never or don’t like to read, read this book. Or any of the Bluford High books. I recommend this book strongly for those kind of people. It really drags you right in and you don’t even know it. The books aren’t very long and it feels so short once you’re done. It will make you want to read the whole series. Again it was a very good book and I recommend it.
December 10, 2014
I just read the book "Payback" by Langan Paul. It was a great book and was about a teenager who wanted revenge. Tyray is a freshman in high school. A couple of weeks ago he broke his wrist by getting into a fight. He was bullying a kid named, Darrell Mercer. Darrell stood up to Tyray. Tyray did not like that so he went to hit Darrell. Darrell moved around and avoided his hits. Darrell swooped in and did a wrestling move on Tyray that he had learned from wrestling that week. Tyray tried catching his grip and landed on his wrist causing it to break. Tyray is now coming back to school seeking payback on what happened to him. All the kids laugh and pick on him. He does not even have any friends and no one is scared of him. There is one person that tries talking to him and it is a girl. She likes Tyray and wants to be his friend. Tyray plays her and gets some money from her that he uses to buy a gun. He gets the gun and hides it in his room. He waits for a couple of weeks and finds out when Darrell Mercer works and gets off. He stays out late and hides behind a dumpster. Darrell gets off work and takes the alley home, because that is his normal route. Tyray jumps out and pushes Darrell to the ground. He thinks of the hatred and the fear in Darrell's eyes. He soon starts to cry and puts the gun to his head. He goes to pull the trigger and Darrell pushes him out of the way.
There are a lot of characters in the book. The main character of the book is Tyray Hobbs. He is the troubled teenager who wants revenge. Darrell Mercer is another character who doesn't mean any harm to anybody and keeps to himself. There is Lark, the girl who Tyray played to get the money. There are his parents and a a lot of other people mentioned.
The setting of the book is in the fall through winter time because it is cold outside. The place of the book is at school and mostly at home. There were other places, but were not mentioned a lot.
I think the author was trying to bring a theme of think before you act. There were parts of the book where some of the characters were trying to tell each other to think before they did something that they would regret later on.
I would recommend this book to any age because it is a good and fun book to read. There is always something happening and going on in the book. There are some parts to the book that are there to teach kids about right or wrong. That is why it is a good book.
There are a lot of characters in the book. The main character of the book is Tyray Hobbs. He is the troubled teenager who wants revenge. Darrell Mercer is another character who doesn't mean any harm to anybody and keeps to himself. There is Lark, the girl who Tyray played to get the money. There are his parents and a a lot of other people mentioned.
The setting of the book is in the fall through winter time because it is cold outside. The place of the book is at school and mostly at home. There were other places, but were not mentioned a lot.
I think the author was trying to bring a theme of think before you act. There were parts of the book where some of the characters were trying to tell each other to think before they did something that they would regret later on.
I would recommend this book to any age because it is a good and fun book to read. There is always something happening and going on in the book. There are some parts to the book that are there to teach kids about right or wrong. That is why it is a good book.
May 16, 2013
This book is about a freshman bully. This bully loses his reputation after another weak freshman boy decided to defend himself. The bully’s name is Tyray Hobbs. Darrel Mercer the freshman boy who stood up to Tyray wanted him to see how it felt to be weak and helpless. He wanted Tyray to see what it felt like to be picked on. Tyray hated being the underdog. He decided that he wanted to take revenge on Darrel. Tyray decided that it would be best if he bought a gun off of this guy his brother knows named Bones. Tyray’s brother is in jail for taking part in an arm robbery. Bones told Tyray that the gun would cost him 50 dollars. Bones also told Tyray that it would be a week before he could receive the gun because Bones was looking out for Tyray’s best interest by making him think before he has the gun in his hands. Tyray didn’t want to wait that long and decided to find someone that would help him. Tyray still had to find a way to get money. Tyray always had money when he was stealing it by being a bully. Tyray pretended to be friends with a random girl. Tyray lied to her in order to get the money. Once Tyray got in touch with some other guys with a gun he went to meet them. When he arrived they jumped him and stole his money. Tyray then realized a week later that his mother had money hidden away. Tyray took 50 dollars from his mom and bought the gun. When he received the gun he went after Darrel and threatened to kill him and a list of other people. After Tyray thought about what he was doing he decided that this was not the path he wanted to follow and that he was going to be a better person.
I recommend this book to high school students only because it talks about bullying and it helps put people on the right path before doing something bad like Tyray almost did. It will help people talk about their problems before they become a problem.
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