• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

Golden boy Myles is being blackmailed by someone sending texts threatening to expose a secret that could change his life forever.

Myles has it all: he’s popular, has an amazing girlfriend and won a full athletic scholarship to a top university. But on the day of his high school graduation ceremony, while he struggles to write his valedictorian speech, Myles receives a text that changes everything. Somehow, through text conversations in the next six hours, Myles has to discover the identity of the person threatening to reveal his darkest secret: his role in a rugby team hazing. And with so much to lose, Myles is willing to do whatever it takes to stop them.

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.

M.J. McIsaac's profile page

• Commended, Top Grade: CanLit for the Classroom

M.J. McIsaac is the author of several books for young people, including Boil Line and Underhand in the Orca Sports line and the Orca Currents title Alien Road. She has a master's degree in writing for children and is an accomplished illustrator as well. She lives with her family in Whitby, Ontario.

“The fast-paced plot as Myles tries to keep up with his blackmailer’s demands, will keep readers on the edge of their seats...For any library in the market for this series, Countdown would be a great addition! Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“A page-turner aimed at reluctant readers but apt to find a wider audience.”

Kirkus Reviews