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9781459413757

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High-action, high-concept stories fore reluctant readers who want grit. --Kirkus Reviews -- (7/16/2019 12:00:00 AM)

Uprooted from the Philippines to Canada, 16-year-old Angelo struggles to connect with his mother and resist toxic pressure from friends. For almost 10 years, Angelo's mother, Yvonne, has been working overseas to provide for their family, but that doesn't stop him from resenting her for her absence. Struggling with homesickness and trying to navigate his new life, Angelo finds acceptance with a group of Filipino boys who make a hobby out of stealing. Warring with the good and bad influences in his life, Angelo must decide what path he'll take. The other titles in this series also focus on troubled teens confronting the ramifications of their reckless actions. In Locked Up by Cristy Watson (Room 555, 2019, etc.), 17-year-old Kevin is offered early probation but is weighed down by the guilt of harming another person during a joyride. In Push Back by Karen Spafford-Fitz (Unity Club, 2018, etc.), 16-year-old Zaine's anger over his mother's abandonment leads him to lose control and break the law. On the Run by debut author Marilyn Anne Holman features 17-year-old Ryan, who gets caught up in a crime scene and bolts to avoid returning to juvie. Each of these stories focuses on remorse, forgiveness, and change. Most of the titles feature ethnic diversity. While the plots may be predictable, character growth is present and the stories highlight important subjects such as treatment within youth detention centers and difficulties experienced by immigrants. High-action, high-concept stories for reluctant readers who want grit. --Kirkus Reviews --Journal

The author deals knowledgeably with restorative justice in this book, as well as the procedural requirements of the criminal justice system. This adds another dimension to the story without complicating the narrative or diminishing any of the characters. -- (12/21/2018) Push Back is an engaging read that will offer opportunities for discussion of the justice system. --Ruth McMahon, Librarian CM: Canadian Review of Materials (11/16/2018)

Uprooted from the Philippines to Canada, 16-year-old Angelo struggles to connect with his mother and resist toxic pressure from friends. For almost 10 years, Angelo's mother, Yvonne, has been working overseas to provide for their family, but that doesn't stop him from resenting her for her absence. Struggling with homesickness and trying to navigate his new life, Angelo finds acceptance with a group of Filipino boys who make a hobby out of stealing. Warring with the good and bad influences in his life, Angelo must decide what path he'll take. The other titles in this series also focus on troubled teens confronting the ramifications of their reckless actions. In Locked Up by Cristy Watson (Room 555, 2019, etc.), 17-year-old Kevin is offered early probation but is weighed down by the guilt of harming another person during a joyride. In Push Back by Karen Spafford-Fitz (Unity Club, 2018, etc.), 16-year-old Zaine's anger over his mother's abandonment leads him to lose control and break the law. On the Run by debut author Marilyn Anne Holman features 17-year-old Ryan, who gets caught up in a crime scene and bolts to avoid returning to juvie. Each of these stories focuses on remorse, forgiveness, and change. Most of the titles feature ethnic diversity. While the plots may be predictable, character growth is present and the stories highlight important subjects such as treatment within youth detention centers and difficulties experienced by immigrants. High-action, high-concept stories for reluctant readers who want grit.--Kirkus Reviews -- Journal (7/16/2019 12:00:00 AM)

Author Information

KAREN SPAFFORD-FITZ is an author and former junior high teacher. Her other SideStreets book Saving Grad was selected as one of The Year's Best by Resource Links. When researching Push Back, Karen relied on the expertise of a restorative justice facilitator who engages troubled youths in meaningful forms of justice and learning. When she is not speaking with students or writing, Karen is often training for her next half marathon. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta.

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