Ross, Jeff. Coming Clean. (Orca Sounding series)

Ross, Jeff.  Coming Clean. (Orca Sounding series)     Orca  112p  $9.95 

978-1-4598-0331-2      2012  ms/hs   VG-BN      Realistic Fiction

Rob dreams of being a DJ.  He spends his time in his bedroom working on beats with his turntables.  His brother Adam gets him a gig as a substitute DJ at an all-ages club, and this is his big chance.  The set goes well, and he is packing up his gear when the lights go out.  In the following panic, Rob stumbles over a body.  It is girl from his school who has died from a drug overdose.  Rob finds out that his brother has been the runner giving drugs to club goers and then giving the money to the supplier.  He is keeping none of the money for himself.  Adam decides that the best thing is to come clean to the police, rather than let Rob become involved by innuendo.  Rob plans to visit his brother in jail, but Adam doesn’t want that.

Written in crisp prose, with believable characters and up-to-date references, this cross between a short story and short novel will appeal to teens.  It shows how easily unsuspecting teens can slip into illegal activities that can lead to jail.  The story is presented in a straightforward style without being preachy.  This will hold the attention of readers.

Drug Dealing-Fiction                                       --Joan Theal