I started reading Calvin Coconut when the series was first published. School and work has kept me from staying current. So I've missed a book or two.

Calvin Coconut: Rocket Ride by Graham Salisbury marks the return of Calvin's father to the islands. He is scheduled to give a concert and Calvin has tickets.

With these Calvin Coconut books there's a certain flow to the plot. Something great happens, or there's a huge change int he family dynamics. As Calvin is either making plans or trying to cope, the local bully starts making trouble.

Here the good news is the concert and the return of Calvin's father. The big change is the stepmother. The bully comes in wanting tickets and won't take no for an answer.

Maybe there's an underlying no violence message to this series and that's why Calvin always ends up giving the bully some version of what he wants. So of course the bully gets tickets, Calvin having the choice of also watching the concert from backstage.

How, though, does this series play in an era where anti-bullying books are becoming common place?

For a similar story aimed at a slightly older audience, I recommend Louis Sachar's Small Steps. ( )