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

Ryan wants to give up football and apply to his dream university, but to afford it he may have to insert himself into some strange and possibly dangerous situations.

Ryan Hale, aka Replay, is the most successful running back in his high school's history. With university scouts making him offers he can't refuse, his future seems set. The problem is, Ryan would much rather go to film school. But his dad doesn't want to hear it. His teammates sure don't. He can't afford the application fees anyway. But then a solution appears when Markus, a strange exchange student with outrageous stories about mobsters and hackers, offers to pay Ryan to be his bodyguard. Things get complicated when Ryan realizes the stories may be closer to the truth than anyone imagined.

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.

Sean Rodman's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

Sean Rodman is the author of several books for teens, including Firewall and Tap Out in the Orca Soundings line. When not working on his own books, Sean works with The Story Studio, a charity that is dedicated to getting kids excited about writing. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

"The Bodyguard is quickly paced with interesting plot turns. Ryan's character is one that is nice to see unfold."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"There is suspense, teen interests, and family drama in a quick-read format: formula for success. Excellent."

Resource Links

"Readers will be enticed by the edgy theme and compelling story…multidimensional characters and briskly paced plot."

School Library Journal (SLJ)

"The accessible writing and occasional humor will keep readers engaged."

Kirkus Reviews