Grant, Vicki. Pigboy.

GRANT, Vicki. Pigboy. Orca, Currents. 101p. c2006. 1-55143-643-4. $8.95. JS

Fourteen-year-old Dan Hogg, aka Pigboy, must prepare for a school field trip to a working farm--with hogs. To say that Dan is not looking forward to an entire day of hog jokes at his expense would be an understatement. With buckteeth, coke bottle glasses, and a genuine interest in school, Dan sticks out like a sore thumb among his classmates. Shortly after arriving at the farm, Dan realizes something is weird about Mr. van Wart, the farm's owner. Realizing an escaped convict is posing as Mr. van Wart, and this convict has dark plans for everyone, Dan takes matters into his own hands. Dan's quick thinking to distract the convict turns the teenager into a local hero. As a bonus, the school bully has a newfound respect for Dan, and Dan for himself.

Told from Dan's perspective, this quick read is perfect for reluctant readers, especially boys. In a story of bravery and redemption, Grant moves quickly to first establish Dan's post on the lowest rung of the social ladder, and then chronicles his eventual rise to the top. Holley Wiseman, MLIS, Columbus, OH

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.