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

How often do you get to see a car tipped or stores looted?

Seventeen-year-old Daniel gets caught up in a post-game riot, and then he and his best friend escape police by breaking into a store. They only intend to cut through to the alley, but rioters follow and trash the place. Daniel prevents an arsonist from torching the store; the next day he's a hero while his friend is outed as a rioter. Can Daniel save face, and will it cost him his friend?

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, TriState Young Adult Book Review Committee Book of Note
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection

"The riot scenes [are] tightly written and really convey a sense of danger and urgency. Teens looking for a fast read will find it here."

NJ Youth Services

"The pace moves along quickly, the sentences are short, and the characters are realistic...The writing is terse but lyrical, easy to read and compelling."

Tri State YA Book Review Committee

"Tullson skillfully navigates themes of forgiveness, mob mentality, and redemption, in this short but poignant addition to the Orca Soundings book series. Riot Act is the story of young people caught up in events beyond their control, but who must take responsibility both for what they did—no matter how small in relation to the misdeeds of others—and what they did not do. The events are told realistically, mirroring the actual events of the Vancouver post-game riots in 2011, with text even describing images in newspapers and actual recorded events...A fast-paced, plausible, and satisfying read that teens will likely enjoy and learn from."

CM Magazine

"Inspired by the 2011 Stanley Cup riot in Vancouver, this slim Orca Soundings volume raises hefty questions about human nature...Tullson punctuates the action-packed drama with short, spare narration that maintains tension throughout. Reluctant readers in particular will appreciate the effect as well as the arresting subject matter."

Booklist

"This quick read will appeal to reluctant readers. It is fast paced and interesting. This story reveals how quickly things can get out of hand and end up in a full blown riot."

Southwest Ohio and Neighboring Libraries (SWON)

"The reality check this story provides will have most readers questioning their own behaviour and that of their peer group. The more subtle but equally important message about the building of strong families and working hard at your job will send quiet reverberations through readers' lives. The dialogue is excellent, revealing character and moving the action along...Bravo to Orca and to Tullson for addressing these timely and eternal themes in such a riveting fashion."

Resource Links

"This short, easy-read, high-interest novel is for teens in grades 9-12. The topic and storyline will hold the interest of teenagers."

Southwest Ohio Young Adult Materials Review Group

"Very fast-paced, action-filled, likable believable characters—and well written."

NMRLS Youth Services Book Review Group

"This fast-paced, slim novel is a disturbing but ultimately satisfying story that will surely spark discussion."

School Library Journal