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     

Choyce, Lesley. Rat. (Orca Soundings series)

Choyce, Lesley.   Rat.  (Orca Soundings series)

Orca  120p  $9.95    978-1-4598-0300-8    2012  hs    VG-BN       Realistic Fiction    

Despite his own reputation as a troublemaker, Colin despises students who bully while student onlookers remain silent.  When Colin speaks out against bullies who amused themselves by tormenting an elderly man, he himself becomes the focus of the bullies’ abuse.  They post an embarrassing photo-shopped image of him on a social networking website.  Colin’s peers are polarized by the events, especially when embarrassing pictures of his female friends begin appearing online.  Again Colin defies the (unwritten) social code against “ratting” and turns in the bullies.  He makes new enemies, and some new allies.

Jerome is one of Colin’s new supporters.  When Colin discovers Jerome is selling weapons to kids at school for “self defense”, Colin threatens to turn Jerome in, but then backs off, fearing he will add to his growing reputation as the school “rat”.  Colin soon regrets not speaking up.  Jerome is shot and dies. 

Choyce’s gritty urban realism will appeal to many teen readers, particularly reluctant readers.  The plot is active, with contemporary dialogue and vocabulary, and addresses timely issues of concern to young adults, including cyber-bullying, sexual harassment, and school violence.

Bullying–Fiction, Gun violence–Fiction                    --Hilary Welliver

Choyce, Lesley. Breaking Point.

Choyce, Lesley.   Breaking Point.   Orca  124p  $9.95 978-1-4598-0128-8       ms/hs Orca Soundings    VG    Survival   

For his latest breaking-and-entering conviction, Cameron chooses an outdoor wilderness program off the coast of Nova Scotia as his punishment instead of a standard juvenile detention facility.  There he meets Brianna, who was convicted for selling drugs at her school.  Brianna convinces Cameron to join her in an escape plan in which they steal two kayaks and head to Canada.

As the two prepare for their escape, they learn of an impending hurricane headed their way.  Undaunted by the warning, they take off into the storm’s dangerous path and soon face strong winds, heavy rains and raging waters.  Their escape rapidly turns into a journey for survival.

As the adventure unfolds, Lesley Choyce takes the reader on the two teens’ physical and emotional journey as their priorities change from escape to survival.  The reader really feels the urgency and sense of danger that the characters encounter.  As their plan for survival plays out, the author then takes the reader on the thrilling ethical path that the pair travels to determine whether they will continue with their escape plan or seek rescue and return to incarceration.

The short story is fast-paced and well written, and it will appeal to many young and reluctant readers.  The entertaining and engaging plot allows the reader to experience difficult situations and the consequences of the choices the characters have made.

This book is one in the Orca Soundings series.  The series currently consists of 19 titles whose common theme is troubled or at-risk adolescents, the choices they make, and the ensuing consequences.  This book is recommended for young and reluctant readers. It is recommended as an essential book for middle-school and high-school libraries.   

Prison – Fiction, Severe weather – Fiction, Survival – Fiction, Realistic fiction                                             -- Virginia McGarvey

Choyce, Lesley. Reaction

Choyce, Lesley Reaction
Orca 2010 98p 9.95
978-1-55469-277-4 hs Conflict VG
When his girlfriend Ashley becomes pregnant, Zach must deal with the damage to their relationship and the repercussions.
Part of the Orca Soundings imprint, this story provides a very frank and readable account of teenage pregnancy and the problems it creates for the teens involved, and its impact on family and friends. Told mostly from the point of view of Zach, the reactions of the teens and their families are realistically portrayed, as they explore the options - abortion, adoption and parenthood. The only odd note is the possible renewal of a previous relationship with Zach’s old girlfriend that becomes a loose end at the conclusion of the story.

Since the depiction is stark and frank in its protrayal of the teens’ having had sex and the unwanted pregnancy (even though there is no description of the sexual act), this book will not be suitable for younger readers. However, high school students will enjoy the book for its honesty and readability.
As with most Orca books, the reading level is 3.4, and the content is high interest for teens.
Recommended for high school collections where the issue of teen pregnancy can be explored honestly and openly. Naismith, Pat Teenage pregnancy fiction

Choyce, Lesley. Running the Risk.

Choyce, Lesley. Running the Risk.
Orca 2009 110p 19.95 978-1-55469-025-1 jr/sr
Orca Soundings

Sean’s always been quiet and agreeable until the night there’s a holdup at the burger place where he works. After that he goes looking for excitement. Sean’s always been quiet and agreeable until the night there’s a holdup at the burger place where he works. Suddenly it’s exciting to look for other thrills, making him feel closer to his dead grandpa Hank who believed in living in the moment.
Not much plot or character development--Dad surprises him by supporting Sean’s decision to identify the gunmen to police--but enough to grab a reluctant reader. The moral that we all have choices in life isn’t too heavy, either. SG