Hooked

January 7, 2013
Sixteen-year-old Fredricka “Fred” Oday, who lives with her impoverished family on the Gila River Indian Reservation, plays on the town’s fancy golf course during off hours when it’s free. Her talent impresses her high school coach, so he gives her the top spot on the all-boy team. She encounters raw, realistic racism from the student golfers, especially the one whose spot on the team she took. Meanwhile, handsome rich boy Ryan becomes Fred’s tournament partner, and half the book comes from his unsteady perspective. He’s torn between his romantic feelings for Fred and his allegiance to his popular but often cruel friends. Fred is strong and resilient, and it’s easy to root for her as she succeeds in golf and bonds with her “Rez” friends, including a cute boy named Sam; her story, laced with information about Native American culture and traditions, sheds important light on the many struggles Native teens face. Making her YA debut, Fichera shows strong storytelling chops as she weaves together plot lines involving class struggles, violence, bullying, and—of course—romance. Ages 14–up. Agent: Holly Root, Waxman Leavell Literary Agency.

Starred review from December 1, 2012
A girl from an Indian reservation turns out to be a phenomenal golfer and falls in love with one of her rich, white team members in this heartfelt, realistic exploration of prejudice. Fred (Fredricka) has never taken a golf lesson, but her father works as the groundskeeper at a ritzy Phoenix-area country club, giving her access to its facilities. The local high school golf coach spots her talent and convinces her to join the varsity team--a change that involves kicking Seth off the team, a choice his best friend, Ryan, resents. Seth harbors deep prejudice against Native Americans and begins harassing Fred. Ryan, meanwhile, feels shame for what Seth does and tries to apologize. He finds himself falling for Fred, and she responds, enraging his current girlfriend. As the story progresses, things don't look good for the star-crossed, constantly misunderstood pair. Both struggle with their own biases and, perhaps, will make different decisions about longstanding friendships. Fichera writes a book that stands well as a romance novel, but thankfully, she completely avoids tired romance-writing conventions, creating tension through the personality conflicts that abound as the bigotry already present in the high school pushes to the surface. Not just a Romeo and Juliet story, the book examines the conflicts of white versus Indian and rich versus poor, giving it far more heft than the average romance. Bravo. (Romance. 12 & up)

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March 1, 2013

Gr 9 Up-Fredricka "Fred" Oday, 16, a Native American girl living on a reservation, is asked to join the boys' golf team at Lone Butte High School in Arizona. She elects to do so because she knows it is her only ticket to college-even though it won't be easy being the only girl on the team. Fred is a strong character who just wants to play golf and be accepted among her teammates. She meets Ryan Berenger, a good-looking guy who wants to accept her but must also please his buddy, Seth, who loses his position on the team when Fred joins. Told in alternating narratives by Fred and Ryan, the story brings readers into the characters heads. When Seth tries to sabotage Fred, Ryan finds himself in a tough spot. With the odds stacked against her, Fred is an underdog protagonist teens can get behind. While Ryan may not be as likable at first, his true character comes through as he falls in love with Fred, even as she is also pursued by a childhood friend. This is a great book for girls who have tried to make it in male-dominated situations or teens looking for a light romance.-Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2013
Grades 8-12 Raised on the Gila River Indian Reservation, Fred (short for Fredricka) learned to play golf by watching others. After news of her golfing abilities spreads, she is recruited for the Lone Butte High School team. As the only Native American and the only girl on the team, Fred experiences considerable prejudice from her new teammates, including her new golf partner, Ryan, a rich white boy. Mutual antagonism transforms into fierce attraction, though, in this classic Romeo and Juliet tale. Romance lovers will sigh as the young couple faces numerous obstacles, including Ryan's hater friends and Fred's uneasiness with the white status quo. Fred is a likable heroine, both loyal to her community and determined to create a different life for herself. While the plot brings few surprises, the high level of emotional drama will appeal to fans of contemporary teen romances, and readers with a special interest in books with Native American characters will be interested in the raw clash of cultures depicted in an Arizona community.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)