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

Colin is tired of school bullies and other students' refusal to speak up or "rat" on the real troublemakers. When Colin does speak out against a couple of school thugs, they post an embarrassing photo of him on a social networking website. Colin makes some new enemies in the process but also a few new allies, including the VP, Mr. Miller. One of Colin's new unwanted allies, though, is Jerome, who is selling weapons to kids at school for "self defense." Colin threatens to turn Jerome in but backs off, tired of his growing reputation as the school rat.

When Jerome is shot and killed, Colin regrets not speaking up earlier. Jerome's killer is now known but has not been located by the police. When the police show up, Colin tells them what he knows, and while he realizes that he has some enemies, he also has some real admirers as well.

No one has a clearer view of Atlantic Canada's literary endeavours over the past twenty years than Lesley Choyce. He is the founder of the literary journal Pottersfield Portfolio, and the publisher of Pottersfield Press. He has edited several fiction anthologies and has been the in-house editor of many books from Pottersfield Press including Making Waves, a collection of stories by emerging authors from Atlantic Canada. He is the author of more than fifty books in genres ranging from poetry and essays to autobiography, history and fiction for adults, young adults, and children. Among his recent books are the novels The Republic of Nothing, World Enough, and Cold Clear Morning, and the story collection Dance the Rocks Ashore. Choyce is the writer, host, and co-producer of the popular literary show television program, Off the Page with Lesley Choyce, which is broadcast across the country on Vision TV. He also teaches in the English department of Dalhousie University in Halifax and is leader of the rock band The Surf Poets.

Lesley Choyce's profile page

• Commended, TriState Young Adult Book Review Committee Book of Note

"The hard-hitting, reluctant reader–friendly titles in the Orca Soundings series can boast another standout in this tale of a teen experiencing the downside of being a Good Samaritan...This is strong material about cyberbullying, standing up for what's right, and breaking the senseless cycle of silence."

Booklist Online

"Colin is a believable character who isn't perfect but is brave enough to stand up for victims...Reluctant readers will enjoy this fast read which has a controlled vocabulary, and is about situations students see in their own lives."

Library Media Connection

"An engaging and truthful no-holds-barred novel. It is well worth reading."

Resource Links

"The plot is fast-paced and appropriate for teens while the language is kept clear and straightforward for teens reading below grade level...The very current issue of cyber-bullying is something that all teens will be able to understand...Rat puts forth a powerful argument for speaking up that will resonate with the reader."

CM Magazine

"This book for reluctant readers provides a realistic portrayal of timely topics including cyberbullying, sexual harassment, and school violence."

NJ Youth Services

"Choyce's gritty urban realism will appeal to many teen readers, particularly reluctant readers. The plot is active with contemporary dialogue and vocabulary, and addresses timely issues of concern to young adults."

TriState YA Book Review Committee