About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
Nell has been in foster homes all her life—most of them have been horrible.
She finally gets moved to a home she likes, and the ministry threatens to close it down unless an expensive renovation is made to the house. Nell and the two boys in the home, Billy and Tom, decide to raise the funds themselves. How do kids get large amounts of money quickly? By robbing banks, of course. Their first few heists are successful, but when they almost get caught on their sixth robbery, the friends start to fight about whether they should continue. The bank jobs that were meant to keep their family together just might tear it apart.
The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Commended, Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award (MYRCA) Honour Book
- Runner-up, Chocolate Lily Book Awards
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
Editorial Reviews
"Fast-paced with growing tension which should appeal to reluctant readers."
— Washington State YA Review
"A concise and fast-paced novel ideal for reluctant readers."
— Resource Links
"This straightforward choice for junior high readers has a good balance of action tempered with morality and the unusual addition of adults who really seem to know what is going on."
— Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group
"[Heneghan and Charles] convincingly portray shockingly contemporary adolescent social behaviour while upholding the dominant moral position that such behaviour is problematic...Smoothly written, carefully paced, and convincingly plotted... Recommended."
— CM Magazine
"The crime adventure component of the plot—written in spare, easily accessible prose, skilfully executed and paced—makes for an involving, suspenseful read, particularly for younger readers."
— Ottawa Citizen
"[Heneghan and Charles] do a good job of creating tension and keeping us wondering if (and when) something will go horribly wrong. The pacing is right and the details realistic enough to give the story plausibility."
— Quill & Quire
"A satisfying moral tale...described in gripping detail. The effects of peer pressure and the desire to please those we love and admire are clearly illustrated. While not condoning robbery, Heneghan and Charles make valuable points about the importance of family, especially family of choice, in young people's lives."
— Booklist
