Both of these books have been published by Orca Book Publishers based in Victoria, BC, Canada. They are part of the Orca Currents series which are short high-interest novels with contemporary themes, written expressly for middle-school students reading below grade level. We bought 12 titles to add to our 'Quick Reads' in the Young Adult Fiction section of our library.
Sudden Impact addresses the issue of organ donation through the illness of Tina's best friend Kurt. The characters are credible as is the situation they face. The novel has great pace and is very readable. It was a 'Quick Read' for me and I am sure many of our students who are learning English or who struggle to get into books will enjoy this story.
See No Evil is about Shawn and his friend Daniel who witness a person being badly beaten behind the mall. They both know who is responsible for the attack but are too fearful to say anything to the Police. The story is again very credible and fast paced. Shawn is also trying to care for his younger brother as their father works and their mother no longer lives in the same city as them. Another worthwhile read I will be recommending to our students.
We will be selecting more titles from this series for our orders this year.
Sudden Impact on Orca books' website and reviewed at Teen Link reviews by Jenna F
See No Evil on Orca books' website and Bhever's (age 16) review