Don't Call Me Ishmael! by Wolfgang Bauer

A funny and moving coming-of-age tale told by Ishmael, an awkward, self-conscious teenager who endures relentless bullying; when he reluctantly joins his school debating team he makes unexpected friends, discovers his own voice, navigates first crushes, and finds the courage to stand up to his tormentor while learning to laugh at the absurdities of adolescence.