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

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.

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!

Diane Tullson grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and has studied English literature, journalism and editing. Before becoming an author, Diane worked in newspaper, radio and travel. She is a member of the Canadian Children's Book Centre, the Vancouver Children's Literature Roundtable, Children's Writers and Illustrators of British Columbia and the Writers Union of Canada. Diane has been nominated for many awards, including the Stellar Award and the Arthur Ellis Award. Diane lives with her family in Delta, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.dianetullson.com.

Diane Tullson's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Commended, TriState Young Adult Book Review Committee Book of Note
• Commended, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection

"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

"Another solid entry in the 'Orca Soundings' series that will appeal to either gender...Recommended."

CM Magazine

"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

"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