Bernard suffers from very low self-esteem. He wears glasses, isn't good at games, has asthma, and doesn't read very well. His friend Squashy now seems to be best friends with Ozzie, and furthermore, his dad, who now lives with someone called Debbs (who doesn't like Bernard very much), is a loud-mouthed bully. When big boy Baxter at school threatens violence if Bernard doesn't hand over money, Bernard doesn't know what to do. He tells Dr Tom, whom he sees to talk to every Monday, about his dilemma. Dr Tom tells him he has two choices - to hand over the money or to say no, difficult though this will be. In the end, it is Ozzie, not-very-bright, cheerful Ozzie, who stands up to Baxter and shows Bernard that he really does have friends. Bernard is a lovable lad with huge problems, but this short novel with good black and white illustrations has great depth and intelligence. Bernard will always be a bit of a wimp, but a well-loved one.