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

Josh’s mother always had issues—with drugs and just getting by. And Josh has always been the one who kept them together. But when his mom dies, he really is on his own and must find a way to look after himself. On his way to his mother’s funeral he meets Lindsay, a cute girl who flirts with him but then steals his wallet. When he confronts her and tells her where he is going, she apologizes, returns his wallet and convinces Josh to let her accompany him to the funeral. So begins a complex relationship that changes both of their lives forever.

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, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

"Scam underscore[s] the importance of really knowing and acting on your values, as well as knowing the beliefs of the people you call friends."

VOYA Magazine

"Choyce hooks the reader into the complex lives of the book's characters and the complexities of life that they encounter. Choyce does a great job in illustrating the intense emotions of youth and the intricate scams that were pulled off by Lindsay...Recommended."

CM Magazine

"This is definitely recommended for any classroom of library serving reluctant, struggling readers."

School Library Connection