Hit Squad / James Heneghan

Hit Squad is another high /low book I?ve read about Mickey a tough teen who is having a tough time in his new school. Bullies have been running the roost at this school and Mickey is not the only target. Mickey gets involved with a vigilante group at school who decide to take the bullying issue into their own hands with tragic results.

Hit Squad certainly has a high level of interest and drama which would no doubt hold the attention of most teens. Bullying is a common issue for school children and if someone has been bullied then they have no doubt harbored thoughts of retribution. This story speaks to the issues of bullying and vengeance without trying to soften the issues. The story presents the main character with moral issues to deal with at every turn, which is something that teens will no doubt be able to relate.

Heneghan, J. (2003). Hit Squad. Victoria, BC : Orca Book Publishers

Refuge Cove / Lesley Choyce

Refuge Cove is the story of Greg a teenage boy who has just moved with his mother from Toronto to the small Newfoundland community of Deep Cove. Greg discovers some refugees one day while out sailing and he is drawn into the
drama of protecting them from what they believe are authorities that will send
them back to a dangerous homeland.

Refuge Cove is a short easy read that moves along quickly and has a high interest factor. The drama of the story keeps the interest level high while Greg's main role as a teenager makes this story appropriate and appealing for teens. The story also presents some ethical issues like; should one turn in refugees to the authorities, and how communities can pull together to help strangers. Even though this story was short and had a simple plot, it was not a simplistic book that speaks down to the reader.

Choyce, L. (2002). Refuge Cove. Victoria, BC : Orca Book Publishers