Tight

"Sixth-grader Bryan makes me nervous. Normally quiet and a bit introverted, Bryan has a new friend, Mike, and he’s bad news. With a home life that leaves him vulnerable to Mike’s bad influence, Bryan has a real struggle on his hands. Oh, Bryan, please don’t jump that turnstile! Tight is written so realistically that I could not help but wring my hands over Bryan’s choices. Relevant and relatable but not at all preachy, Tight is a good reminder of how hard it is to grow up – and makes me want to hug all the middle schoolers out there (and give them all after-school jobs so they don’t get into trouble). (For ages 10 and up)"