Rat

Orca Soundings

by Lesley Choyce

tagged: bullying, self-esteem & self-reliance, violence

Description

Colin is tired of school bullies and other students' refusal to speak up or "rat" on the real troublemakers. When Colin does speak out against a couple of school thugs, they post an embarrassing photo of him on a social networking website. Colin makes some new enemies in the process but also a few new allies, including the VP, Mr. Miller. One of Colin's new unwanted allies, though, is Jerome, who is selling weapons to kids at school for "self defense." Colin threatens to turn Jerome in but backs off, tired of his growing reputation as the school rat.

When Jerome is shot and killed, Colin regrets not speaking up earlier. Jerome's killer is now known but has not been located by the police. When the police show up, Colin tells them what he knows, and while he realizes that he has some enemies, he also has some real admirers as well.

About the Author

Lesley Choyce, who has been teaching English and creative writing for over 30 years, is the author of more than 90 books of literary fiction, short stories, poetry, creative nonfiction and young adult novels. He has won the Dartmouth Book Award, the Atlantic Poetry Prize and the Ann Connor Brimer Award. He has also been short-listed for the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humor, the White Pine Award, the Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award, the Aurora Award from the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association and, most recently, the Governor General’s Literary Award. He lives in Lawrencetown Beach, Nova Scotia.

Age:: 12 to 18
Grade:: 8 to 12
Reading age:: 12 to 18

Awards

Commended, TriState Young Adult Book Review Committee Book of Note

Editorial Reviews

"The hard-hitting, reluctant reader–friendly titles in the Orca Soundings series can boast another standout in this tale of a teen experiencing the downside of being a Good Samaritan...This is strong material about cyberbullying, standing up for what's right, and breaking the senseless cycle of silence."

— Booklist Online

"Colin is a believable character who isn't perfect but is brave enough to stand up for victims...Reluctant readers will enjoy this fast read which has a controlled vocabulary, and is about situations students see in their own lives."

— Library Media Connection

"An engaging and truthful no-holds-barred novel. It is well worth reading."

— Resource Links

"The plot is fast-paced and appropriate for teens while the language is kept clear and straightforward for teens reading below grade level...The very current issue of cyber-bullying is something that all teens will be able to understand...Rat puts forth a powerful argument for speaking up that will resonate with the reader."

— CM Magazine

"This book for reluctant readers provides a realistic portrayal of timely topics including cyberbullying, sexual harassment, and school violence."

— NJ Youth Services

"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."

— TriState YA Book Review Committee

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