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
Caz thinks she has a pretty good reason when she punches her boyfriend in the face, but she gets expelled anyway.
Moving to a new school, she is told she is dyslexic and sent to special education classes. Caz tries to fit in and get by while suffering the taunts and abuse that others throw at the students in her class. Her friendship with Amanda leads her into new territory—shoplifting and skipping school. Coupled with her parents' impending separation, her life is spiraling out of control.
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! Available in Spanish as La otra vida de Caz.
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, starred selection
Editorial Reviews
"This short novel features plenty of action and lively dialogue."
— Canadian Book Review Annual
"Slim and easy to read, yet still convincing and deep, and offering a note of hopefulness...Highly recommended."
— Hi-Rise
"Kyi paints a situation common to our culture: adolescents struggling to find their identity with imperfect adult examples. Readers will easily identify with the opposing forces Caz faces as she tries to make sense of her life. A compelling contemporary story."
— School Library Journal
"Will definitely ring bells with the hi-lo crowd...[Kyi's] books seem to hit their mark and are popular."
— WASHYARG
"Offer[s] some very realistic situations teens deal with every day and could be used to jump-start more than a few critical discussions. Highly recommended."
— CM Magazine
