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
★ “This book checks all the boxes of a hi-lo text. It has an exciting hook, a modern teen worldview, and is at a lower reading level...A must-buy for libraries looking for diverse and compelling hi-lo books.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Jason is sure his sister, Becca, was murdered, but he’s the only one who thinks so. After finding a photograph Becca kept hidden, he decides to infiltrate a boxing gym to prove that she didn’t die accidentally. As a transgender kid, Jason’s been fighting for as long as he can remember, and those skills are going to come in handy as he investigates. Quickly invited into the inner circle, Jason must balance newfound friendships with the burning hate that drives him. Jason soon feels torn between two worlds, determined to discover what happened to his sister but struggling with the fact that this is the first time he’s ever felt like he belonged somewhere.
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! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Contributor Notes
Tash McAdam is a Welsh Canadian author of several books for young people. Tash identifies as trans and queer and uses the neutral pronoun they. They teach high-school English and computer science and have a couple of black belts in karate. They live in Vancouver.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 12 to 18
- Grade:
- 8 to 12
- Reading age:
- 12 to 18
Awards
- Commended, American Library Association (ALA) Rainbow Book List
- Commended, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
- Commended, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection
Editorial Reviews
★ “This book checks all the boxes of a hi-lo text. It has an exciting hook, a modern teen worldview, and is at a lower reading level...A must-buy for libraries looking for diverse and compelling hi-lo books.”
— School Library Journal, starred review
“Readers will want more…Issues of childhood trauma, transgender people in today’s society and human trafficking combine to make this a 5 star book for teen readers.”
— Must Read Lit: K thru YA
“The focused, deliberate writing keeps up the pace; this agile murder mystery moves like a bantamweight champion. Gritty yet without the pitfalls of trauma porn, this novel has the tough shell of noir but a tender underbelly, making it a great read for those looking for realistic yet trans-affirming fiction.”
— Them.
“This contemporary thriller offers suspense, intense sports competition, and a fast-paced plot leading to a resolution that emphasizes chosen family and inner-community support...A gripping mystery for reluctant readers.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Sure to grab readers and keep them interested as they follow Jason and his quest for justice. The novel is a rip-roaring read that does exactly what it sets out to do—be engaging, highly readable, and incredibly thoughtful. Highly Recommended.”
— CM: Canadian Review of Materials
