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

When Cody and his friends accept a challenge from a local gang to steal a park bench, their main concern is keeping themselves on the gang's good side.

Cody learns that the stolen bench had been dedicated to the father of the English teacher who sponsors the school newspaper—the paper that Cody has just started writing for—and he's worried about the consequences. As the gang applies pressure for more from Cody and his friends, he realizes they've crossed a line, and now he has to figure out how to make it right.

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! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

CRISTY WATSON is passionate about teaching and writing. She lives near the beach in White Rock, B.C., where she hosts an open mic at her local coffee shop. She is the award-winning author of five other novels Benched, Living Rough, On Cue, Cutter Boy, and Dead to Me. She was a 2017 PNBA Book Award Nominee for On Cue.

Cristy Watson's profile page

"Packs in a lot of issues for one small paperback, but reluctant readers, especially, will be hooked as the tension builds, and the realistic story, which avoids a slick resolution, will spark discussion."

Booklist

"Cody's trials demonstrate how hard it is to be a freshman. The story resolves itself in a satisfying way...The characters are likable...and their prank and its consequences are very believable."

Library Media Connection

"Watson delivers a fast-paced, quick and easy read...A fun sneak peek into someone else's life...[and] a good addition to the Orca Currents series."

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