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
Seventeen-year-old Corbin plays hockey and is known as a scrapper on and off the ice.
Fighting makes him feel strong. Corbin's friend, Darius, is socially adept and popular, and Darius's reckless risk-taking makes Corbin feel alive. With Rubee, a girl both boys like, Darius crosses a line, and after a party at Riley Park, Darius and Corbin are attacked. Darius is killed; Corbin is seriously injured. Corbin fights his clouded memory—he can't identify the assailants. He fights his weakened body—he can no longer play hockey. He fights the loss of his friend. But when he gives up the fight, he finds strength in acceptance.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 12 to 18
- Grade:
- 8 to 12
- Reading age:
- 12 to 18
Awards
- Commended, TriState Young Adult Book Review Committee Book of Note
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
- Commended, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection
Editorial Reviews
"Another solid entry in the 'Orca Soundings' series that will appeal to either gender...Recommended."
— CM Magazine
"Good for students who are looking for a quick read."
— Resource Links
"An intriguing storyline...The story is told in first person by Corbin, pulling the reader into his changed life. The reader feels his doubt and anger. This book will make a good 'guy read', especially for reluctant readers."
— Southwestern Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group
"A suspenseful, tightly plotted story that manages, in only 102 pages, to create both a memorable protagonist and a thought-provoking, emotionally involving story."
— Booklist
"Likable flawed characters drive the plot in this gritty contemporary drama. The fast-paced read feels current and edgy without succumbing to inner-city staging. Riley Park will have both reluctant and struggling readers flipping the pages."
— School Library Journal
