Taking Control

April 1, 2011
Grades 6-9 With clipped dialogue and rapidly changing dramas about friends, enemies, sports, family, and girlfriends in an inner-city neighborhood, this title in the publishers District 13 line will appeal to reluctant readers who want brief, simply worded stories that reflect their lives now. Starting with the cover image of a basketball court, the book unfolds through the viewpoint of Akil, 14, who is thrilled that his childhood friend, Patrice, is moving back to his building after being away for two years. When Patrice arrives, Akil is amazed that she is now tall and gorgeous and can complete a perfect jump shot. But he is jealous that his friend Tre is also hot for Patrice and angry that a school bully, Deena, is after her. Life becomes even more complicated after Akils uncle loses his job and moves in with Akil and his single, working mom. With so many characters packed into 52 pages, this action-filled story may be just right for readers theater.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)