McClintock, Norah. Snitch.

McCLINTOCK, Norah. Snitch. Orca, Soundings. 100p. c2005. 5514484-9. $7.95. JS

Josh and Scott were partners in crime, until they stole donation money meant for AIDS research. Scott wanted to return it and snitched on Josh. Now, Josh has a choice: go to anger management classes, or learn to train dogs. Josh decides on the dog training, but learns that he'll need patience and compassion to succeed. Concurrently, Josh is learning to live with his brother, sister-in-law and their new baby in a situation that makes tempers flair frequently until he begins to extrapolate what he learns in training a dog to his domestic environment. Unfortunately, the situation worsens before it improves when Scott is hospitalized for injuries sustained by someone who beat him using a club with Josh's initials on it--and Josh is the lead suspect.

In this story, readers capture a glimpse of how anger management problems and domestic violence can be passed on from one generation to another, and what people do to manage these tendencies. Like other Orca Soundings novels, the chapters are short with quick plot development. The protagonist is well developed; it is easy to identify with Josh's frustrations and his growth. Other characters are less well-defined but serve their purpose within the plot by helping the protagonist as well as aiding in the development of greater themes: patience, compassion, and knowing who your friends really are. Reluctant readers and boys would be likely candidates for this novel. Lisa M. Carlson, MIT, Teacher-Libn., Shelton HS, Shelton, WA

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

S--Recommended for senior high school students.