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

All Seventeen-year-old Jemma wants now is to be a good mom to her baby daughter, Violet. But when she witnesses a violent crime she'll have to choose between keeping her baby or letting a killer walk free.

Jemma's older brother took her in when she needed to get away from her abusive ex-boyfriend, Razor. One night she needs to go out, just for a few minutes, to get diapers and ice cream. On her way back, she witnesses the drive-by shooting of a kid, Kwame, who lives in the same building. The driver is Razor. Jemma is terrified. If she tells anyone what she saw, they'll know she left her baby alone and she might lose custody. But if she doesn't, Kwame's killer will go free. Razor convinces Jemma to make a deal to save her life, but Jemma isn't sure she can live with the consequences.

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.

Born in London, Ontario, Jocelyn always knew she would be a writer. She has attended The Humber School for Writers, and writes for both children and adults. Her award-winning stories have appeared in anthologies, newspapers and magazines. Her books for teens include Getting A Life, Cross My Heart and Seraphina's Circle. Getting a Life and Cross My Heart were Canadian Children's Book Centre "Our Choice" selections. Seraphina's Circle was nominated for the 2007/2008 BC Stellar Award, listed in Resource Links Best of 2006, and featured in the Anne of Green Gables Book Club.

Jocelyn Shipley's profile page

• Commended, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens