Copyright Date:
2021
Edition Date:
2021
Release Date:
04/13/21
Pages:
105 pages
ISBN:
1-459-83090-3
ISBN 13:
978-1-459-83090-5
Dewey:
Fic
LCCN:
2020948748
Dimensions:
19 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
School Library Journal Starred Review
(Wed Jul 06 00:00:00 CDT 2022)
Gr 7 Up-Jason, a trans foster kid, already feels like the world is against him when his sister is murdered. In her belongings, he finds a hidden collection of evidence leading to a shady boxing gym where young women are disappearing. Is this why his sister was killed? Jason decides to pose as a rookie boxer to infiltrate the gym, but can he hide his true purpose there, as well as his trans identity? This book checks all the boxes of a hi-lo text. It has an exciting hook, a modern teen worldview, and is at a lower reading level. Although the length requirements for a book in the "Orca Soundings" series means that some plot points feel rushed, the book is a fun read. Jason's trans identity is handled respectfully and realistically, which is expected from an nVoices author like McAdam. Furthermore, this book is about a trans character but is not a coming out story, it is a murder mystery. This is both something the LGBT+ community has been asking for and will draw the interest of young people who would not usually pick up an LGBT+ book. VERDICT A must-buy for libraries looking for diverse and compelling hi-lo books. Jeri Murphy, C.F. Simmons Middle School, Aurora, IL
This book checks all the boxes of a hi-lo text. It has an exciting hook, a modern teen worldview, and is at a lower reading level...A must-buy for libraries looking for diverse and compelling hi-lo books. School Library Journal, starred review
Jason is sure his sister, Becca, was murdered, but hes the only one who thinks so. After finding a photograph Becca kept hidden, he decides to infiltrate a boxing gym to prove that she didnt die accidentally. As a transgender kid, Jasons been fighting for as long as he can remember, and those skills are going to come in handy as he investigates. Quickly invited into the inner circle, Jason must balance newfound friendships with the burning hate that drives him. Jason soon feels torn between two worlds, determined to discover what happened to his sister but struggling with the fact that this is the first time hes ever felt like he belonged somewhere.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they dont like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.