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
Rosario Gomez gave up gang life after his brother was killed in a street fight.
Now all he wants to do is finish night school, be a good father and work hard enough at his job at the supermarket to get promoted. But when an old friend shows up to ask him why he left the gang, Rosario realizes he was fooling himself if he thought his violent past would just go away. When his pregnant girlfriend is hit in a drive-by shooting, Rosario has to make some hard choices. Revenge means a return to his old ways, something he swore he would never do. But unless he takes action, his enemies will not rest until they've settled the score against him.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for older teen readers and adults who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!
Awards
- Commended, School Library Journal (SLG) Top Book Choices for Youth in Detention
- , Forest of Reading Golden Oak Award
Editorial Reviews
"We like Rosario and cheer his good decisions all the while secretly afraid for him. Your struggling older readers will love this book."
— Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media
"I have long been a fan of Orca Publishers and their high interest/low level offerings...The Barrio Kings is slightly over 100 pages, reads quickly, and contains just the right combination of action and drama to interest reluctant readers. With characters living in the adult world, there is definitely more appeal for alternative ed/adult ed readers attempting to improve reading skills. I look forward to reading another Rapid Read selection."
— Readingjunky's Reading Roost
"There is plenty of emotion to keep female readers engaged and plenty of action to hold the attention of male readers. And while the story can be seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of gang life, it’s never preachy...Recommended."
— CM Magazine
