• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Owen has a crush on Kamryn. Kamryn has a crush on Owen's brother Kyle.

Owen knows extreme action is necessary to make sure Kamryn does not end up dating his brother, a jerk who manipulates every situation to get what he wants. So what does Owen do? He manipulates the situation. With the help of his friend Hannah, Owen sets up a blog called The Oracle that gives out relationship advice to local teens. Everything seems to be going great. Hannah and Owen are having fun, and Kamryn seems to be following The Oracle's advice and taking an interest in Owen. Owen thinks he's got it made, but he soon discovers that fraudulent tactics have their consequences.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!

Alex Van Tol taught middle school for eight years, then made the switch to writing for a living. A writer of fiction and nonfiction for kids and teens, she has published over 10 books including Great Bear Rainforest: A Giant-Screen Adventure in the Land of the Spirit Bear with Ian McAllister and several titles in the Orca Currents, Soundings and Sports lines. Alex lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her family.

Alex Van Tol's profile page

• Short-listed, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

"A complete and engaging story...The book does not spell everything out, and only hints at a future for the characters; it makes readers use their brain in a fun way. [Orca Currents] are smart books that will hold the interest of reluctant middle school readers and would be a good purchase for all libraries."

VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) Magazine

"A warm, sensitive look at the difficult relationships that our youth must face as they grow into adulthood...Teens will identify with the characters that have been portrayed here. I have no doubt Oracle will be a popular read. Highly Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"Van Tol writes with just enough attitude to make it sing, and [her] characters—except for the cruel Kamryn—are sympathetically drawn."

Booklist

"This well-written, fast paced story has an engaging storyline and characters...Owen's creativity and originality are delightful...This Orca Currents [title] has it all—a likeable protagonist, an intriguing storyline and a plausible plot...Highly recommended."

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