Jason is an outsider.
A recent immigrant from China, Jason lives in a close-minded town with his mother and younger brother. Falling in with the wrong crowd, trying to fit in, Jason takes chances and ends up in trouble with the police. Holding on to his friendship with an Indigenous boy, also an outsider, Jason finds he needs to fight to belong and to find a new home.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!
"Engage[s] the reader...This book will be useful in cultural diversity classes or for students who are having a hard time finding their place in school...Recommended."
"While maintaining young readers' interest in the plot, Yee's novel will also help them to develop and gain confidence in their reading skills."
"Highly recommended."
"Reluctant readers will be drawn to this book because of the content and its length."
"Yee's slim novel packs in a lot."
"There's a lot to think about in this small book. It might even be a book read to the end by kids who don't like to read."
"[Yee's] characters and their life struggles ring true and are likely to connect well with teen readers. Written in a fast-paced, easy-to-read style, this book should be successful with reluctant readers."
"Fast-paced, easy-to-read drama."
"This is a tale about the effects of prejudice and the redeeming power of friendship...A very good selection for reluctant readers in high school who need high interest books."