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

Bex is into "urban exploration"—going where he's not supposed to go.

Bex has always done it just for fun and bragging rights, taking nothing but pictures and leaving nothing but footprints. He has explored almost every abandoned building and tunnel in the city. But that changes when a new kid arrives at school. Kieran is edgy, dangerous and into urban exploration as well. Together, they start pushing each other to radical extremes. When Kieran pitches a plan that involves taking more than just pictures, Bex has a decision to make. Where will he draw the line, and how far will he follow Kieran?

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!

Sean Rodman's profile page

• Commended, TriState Young Adult Book Review Committee Book of Note
• Commended, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection
• Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books

"An adventure story with a very small bit of romance sprinkled in. The main characters seemed realistic, likable and easy for teens to relate to. The sentences are short and the vocabulary was fairly simple; good for the struggling reader."

NMRLS Youth Services Book Review

"Reluctant readers...will appreciate the authentic dialogue, and fast-paced ending."

School Library Journal

"This short novel will appeal to reluctant readers with its fast pace and adventurous scenarios...The non-specific location will allow the reader to fill in the landscape, and helps draw the reader further into Bex's exploits."

Library Media Connection

"A fast-paced action-adventure story. It will appeal especially to teens who read below level, though the page-turning suspense it generates and the fascinating hook of urban-exploration should grab any reader."

Booklist

"Tight, concise writing, along with a fast-moving plot, makes this a good choice for struggling and reluctant readers."

The Horn Book Guide

"The book is fast-paced and does capture the attention of the reader and hold onto it until the end."

KeenReaders.org

"Will hook reluctant, male, teen readers as a gripping, high energy, high risk adventure story...An excellent recreational reading choice, and a great addition to literature study groups."

Resource Links