The Sketchbook Legends is a collection of short stories chronicling the perils of little Manny McCloud's childhood living with bullies in everyday life at school and at home with his older sister Guppy. Each story demonstrates the challenges Manny is faced with while managing to expose a glimmer of light in the darkest human moments. Manny McDowell is faced with a problem many children have on a daily basis, bullying. Not just one bully but an entire gang of bullies are taking over his junior high school. Manny is forced to find his own methods not only to survive but face his fears. In the process, all involved will learn valuable lessons that start them on a path filled with surprises. This is the first of a series of stories designed to provide alternative approaches to a very challenging topic. We will travel through different stories that focus on facing these challenges in creative ways that hopefully highlight our differences as connecting points for establishing lasting relationships. The story is narrated by grown-up Manny, who later became a teacher in the public schools.