Fighting for Dontae

Gr 6–8—On the first day of seventh grade, Javier's English class is visiting the library when the special ed kids arrive. Not only does Javier steal a book for himself, but he also hands Lanzo, a nonverbal child, a book that he was eyeing. When student jobs are announced later that week, Javier is dismayed to learn that he will be helping with the special ed class, and he's convinced that his life, as far as his middle school social status is concerned, is effectively over. Javier's dad is in jail, his mom struggles with drug addiction, and he and his group of friends are members of the Southside Playaz gang—a surefire path straight to jail. Two of his friends regularly run errands for older gang members and a third gets high every day. It turns out that Javier's school assignment is the one thing he's got going for him; he discovers that he loves working with the special needs kids. Javier's world near L.A. is gritty and bleak, but not devoid of hope. His effort to figure out who he is, and who he wants to be, will speak to readers from all walks of life. The novel is strongest when Javier is interacting with his friends and less believable when he is too self-reflective. A solid choice, especially for reluctant readers.—Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY