Sticks and Stones

Jujube is a normal high school girl, that is until she goes out to her boyfriend’s car during a dance. “Mr. Warpspeed” tries to get her to do more than she wants, but she says no and they go back in. Jujube finds out that she has been labeled as a slut. Jujube discovers how hard it is to fight against a label, especially since no one is interested in the truth. Jujube and her friend Carlos use an English project about communication to bring to light the hurtful side of gossip, graffiti and labels.

The issues dealt with in this book are universal, as most teens have been labeled as something they are not. Trying to cope with this label is something that many teens struggle with and “Sticks and Stones” actually shows a very positive was to deal with it. The book is well written and enjoyable to read. It was possible to forget that this was supposed to be a hi/lo book as you didn’t notice the simplicity of the writing or storyline at all. I would like to see Orca put out a book about the other side of this story, the pressure on teenage boys to be sexually experienced and brag about it to their friends.

Age range: 12 plus
Ranking: Quality – 4/5 Popularity – 5/5

Zee’s Way

Zee and his friends have it in for the merchants of a local strip mall, but they deserve it. As the “war” between the merchants and the boys escalate Zee decides to graffiti the side of the building. But as an artist Zee decides to paint a door on the wall as well. Although the merchants paint over the graffiti they leave the door. After a few repeats of the tagging Zee gets caught by Mr. Feniuk, who hires him to paint a mural rather than graffiti. As Zee discovers that the merchants aren’t all that bad he and Mr. Feniuk decide that perhaps they can bring the two sides together.

This hi/lo was much slower paced than Death Wind but I still enjoyed it. I felt that the situation that was portrayed was much more realistic and could probably be understood by more teens. Although this book lacks action, Zee’s thoughts and feelings are explored in more depth. I think that perhaps the target audience, teen boys who don’t like to read, may not appreciate this fact. This is not the best hi/lo that I’ve read.

Age range: 14 plus
Ranking: Quality – 2 Popularity – 3

Death Wind

Allie’s parents are fighting all the time, she has failed three of her four classes and she thinks she may be pregnant. To get away from all of this she decides to run away and join her friend Razz on his skateboarding tour. After a few days Allie and Razz return to Barrie, much to Allie’s disappointment. As they arrive back in town it is hit by a tornado. Allie and Razz witness the destruction and Allie must find her parents. Allie realizes that her problems seem small in comparison to the wake of destruction.

Hi/lo books are supposed to be quick and compelling reads that are driven by actions and this is definitely true of Death Wind. The background information is presented in a couple of sentences. The focus is on Allie’s thoughts and feelings. I found that the level of action presented in Death Wind might be seen as unrealistic, although the tornado is based on a real event. The only criticism I have is the way that this book ends. Allie finds her parents alive and well and tells them that she is flunking and possibly pregnant and they decide to rebuild their house and family. Perhaps I just want to hear more, what happens to Allie after the shock of the tornado wears off. Does her family really change?

Age Range: 12 plus
Ranking: Quality – 3 Popularity – 4