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Choyce, Lesley
7 Reviews
(4)
YA
Orca Soundings series.
After his parents abruptly break up and move out, Cameron and his dog become homeless; Cam then joins forces with another homeless friend, Mackenzie, to beg for money and find food and shelter. The complex subject is treated simplistically, though Cam's desperation rings true. Related in choppy but easy-to-read sentences, the teens' plight may attract its intended reluctant-reader audience.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(3)
YA
Orca Soundings series.
Sick of witnessing not only the bullying at his high school but also the revenge taken on those who rat out the bullies, Colin decides to adopt the rat as his personal mascot and to wage an often painful and risky one-man war against bullies. This short novel of satisfying vigilantism offers no easy answers to a complicated problem.
Reviewer: Norah Piehl
(3)
YA
SideStreets series.
When Cody starts drumming in a band, he hopes to turn his back on his violent past. His actions return to haunt him when his old compatriots track him down. The story's anti-bullying message is well integrated into the plot, and Cody's gritty past is honestly portrayed.
Reviewer: Norah Piehl
(4)
YA
Orca Soundings series.
"Zach, I'm pregnant." With these words, Ashley changes sixteen-year-old Zach's life. Zach tries to support Ashley, but it isn't easy; she's angry, her dad's angry, and Zach isn't sure he can handle being a parent. Though the complex topic is greatly simplified in this short book aimed toward reluctant readers, Zach's shifting emotions--confusion, doubt, guilt, fear, resolve--are realistic.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(4)
YA
SideStreets series.
After choosing life on her own over staying with her parents, Melanie is grateful to move in with Trent and keep off the streets. But with all they face--hunger, secrets, a shifty employer, dangerous neighbors--can Melanie find a way to survive? Melanie's tough-as-nails narration is convincing; her moments of epiphany--why she shouldn't get pregnant, how to eat on a budget--less so.
Reviewer: Rebecca Hachmyer
(4)
YA
Orca Soundings series.
When Sean is held up during his shift at Burger Heaven, he's not scared; danger gives him a rush. After engaging in his own risky behavior without getting caught, Sean becomes introspective, discovering that the root of his actions is the still painful loss of his grandfather--a daredevil himself. Though the story's revelations are slight, its unique premise may engage readers.
Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett
(4)
YA
Orca Currents series.
Quinn Dorfman feels like a loser in his new town. But when he meets fellow skateboarder Jasmine, his worries--about his mother's extended absence and his troubles at school--begin to diminish. This brief novel aimed at reluctant teen readers suffers from some stereotypical characters.
Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett
7 reviews
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