• Age: 12 to 15
• Grade: 7 to 10
• Reading age: 12 to 15

Angela Wroboski has recently moved with her mother from their small hometown into the city to rid them of a dark past. Now, Angela must deal with the fact that her home will be anything but "normal." Her dad, the infamous Nick "The Weasel" Wroboski, has served three jail terms for various crimes, including robbery, during her lifetime, and on June 5, Angela’s fifteenth birthday, he’s released from a two-year sentence in Fort Gavin Prison.

Arriving home with an attitude and attire that’s sure to mess up her friendships and future, The Weasel tries in his own way to prove that this time he’s going straight. But the influence of the old gang, led by notorious Uncle Al who’s now operating an enigmatic "business" that’s more than a little shady, remains a constant threat to Nick’s future as a family man. When Angela learns that a crime is being planned that could blow apart her family, she must quickly decide how to intervene without breaking her father’s code to "never discuss family business outside the home."

Shirlee Smith-Matheson is the author of Prairie Pictures, Flying Ghosts, and City Pictures. All three titles were Canadian Children's Centre Our Choice selections.

Shirlee Smith-Matheson's profile page

"A touching story and a good read for ages nine to 12."

Calgary Herald

This is an intriguing tale that will not disappoint.

The Record (Waterloo)