Line Up

April 15, 2011
Grades 6-10 As immediate and action-packed as Katherine Hengels Taking Control (2011) but more focused, this new title in the District 13 series, aimed at reluctant readers, follows high-schooler Daniel, who is close with his family and hot for fellow teen Simone. His best friend persuades him to join track; but then he is pressured by classmate and gang-leader Tyrese to join the gang and borrow a gun from Daniels war-vet grandfather. If he refuses to get the gun, will the gang go after his little sister and his grandfather? With a fast-moving story set in gang-dominated communities, this title reaches behind contemporary headlines with authentic characters, dialogue, and situations. Teens will easily recognize Daniels personal conflict as well as his anger, which he uses when he runs track and discovers hard and fun go together. A strong, high-interest choice for struggling teen readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)