Choyce, Lesley. Scam.

Choyce, Lesley.  Scam.  Saddleback  2016  113p  $9.95  ISBN 978-1-4598-1174-4   ms/hs  High-Low  Conflict  VG-BN 

Josh has dealt with the drug problems of his mother. He protected her and hid the truth from social workers. Now she has died of an overdose and he will be sent to a group home. On the way to his mother’s funeral, Josh meets Lindsay. They seem to hit it off until he discovers that she has stolen his wallet. He chases her down and explains his situation. She convinces him to go to the funeral.  They become friends of a sort. She steals out of boredom and to get attention, but she also helps Josh deal with living in the group home.  When Lindsey’s brother dies, he helps her.
Written for teens at a low reading level (3.2), this high-interest short novel works great for reluctant readers or those with other reading problems. 

Summary: Josh meets a girl named Lindsay. Each of them has issues. Josh’s mother just died of a drug overdose, and Lindsay steals for fun.  As they get to know each other, they help each other with their problems.

Drugs-Fiction, Kleptomania-Fiction, Friendship-Fiction

--Joan Theal