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
Haley and Lynn are best friends.
When Lynn meets Chad, a player several years older, Haley feels left out. She tries to be happy for her friend, but when her mother's new boyfriend starts making unwanted advances, Haley finds she has no one to tell. Not wanting to upset her mother's happiness and finding that Lynn is drifting away, Haley has to face her tormentor alone and face up to some very hard truths.
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!
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 12 to 18
- Grade:
- 8 to 12
- Reading age:
- 12 to 18
Awards
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
- , Golden Eagle Children’s Choice
- Short-listed, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
Editorial Reviews
"Truly excellent tale...the voice and persona of Haley capture what is so worth cherishing in an adolescent."
— Resource Links
"Realistic dialogue and situations characterize this novel. Struggling readers will appreciate the quick pacing and the low reading/high interest level."
— School Library Journal
"Mature readers will sympathize with Haley's difficult situation."
— The Horn Book Guide
"Fast-paced, with short chapters and high-interest content. Haley's thought process...is heartbreaking."
— KLIATT
"A fast-paced, intense novel that is sure to keep you guessing and turning its pages...definitely worth a read."
— TeensReadToo.com
"Tilly has written in an immediate, sometimes raw manner."
— Times Colonist
"Tilly accomplishes her goal of getting into a teenager's head in 100 short pages, and the novel is riveting."
— Tri State Young Adult Book Review Committee
"A lightning-quick read that...will likely provoke some discussion among young people about how to handle difficult situations."
— Quill & Quire
"Captures the emotions and feelings of sixteen year old girls perfectly...a very good addition to the young adult genre."
— Sukee's Book Bites
"Tilly uses Haley's story as a way of discussing sexual abuse...The dialogue between Haley and her best friend...is indicative of what teens deal with on a daily basis."
— VOYA
"Teens will find themselves engrossed in this tale of sexual abuse. Self-examination is just one of the outcomes for those who read this tale. Recommended.'
— Library Media Connection
"First Time illustrates a dangerous situation in which Haley learns to regret ignoring her instincts...Recommended."
— CM Magazine
"The lack of a sweetly tied up ending is a point in this title's favor, allowing the reader to come up with their own ideas... A possible high/low choice for high school age female readers."
— NMRLS Youth Services Book Review Group
