Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
ONE GOOD PUNCH is a sure-fire winner for any teen. Just short of 120 pages, it is a fast-paced, page-turner with suspense and humor. I predict it will end up on most Best Teen Books and Quick Reads lists soon.
Michael is a senior. An ambitious cross-country and track runner, he is hoping to use his talent as a stepping stone to a decent college. His part-time job at the Scranton Observer writing obituaries is giving him valuable experience as he dreams of someday writing novels.
Trusted by his parents, Michael leads the life of a typical 18-year-old. When not working or running, he spends most of his time with his best friend, Shelly. Mostly they hang out and talk or take in a movie at the Cultural Center downtown. Lately things have moved a bit more in the romantic direction, which Michael feels is a bit weird, but at the same time, it feels sort of right.
Life changes overnight for Michael when four joints are discovered in his locker during a routine drug sweep of the high school. Put there by his friend, Joey, they represent the possible end to Michael's future dreams. He did ask Joey to get him a couple of joints, but he never dreamed the kid would be stupid enough to put them in his locker.
Michael gets advice from just about everyone he knows that he should rat out Joey as his supplier. Even school officials suggest things would go easier for him if he tells. Torn between giving up his future plans and staying loyal to a longtime friend, Michael's world is turned upside-down.
ONE GOOD PUNCH is a sure-fire winner for any teen. Just short of 120 pages, it is a fast-paced, page-turner with suspense and humor. I predict it will end up on most Best Teen Books and Quick Reads lists soon.
Michael is a senior. An ambitious cross-country and track runner, he is hoping to use his talent as a stepping stone to a decent college. His part-time job at the Scranton Observer writing obituaries is giving him valuable experience as he dreams of someday writing novels.
Trusted by his parents, Michael leads the life of a typical 18-year-old. When not working or running, he spends most of his time with his best friend, Shelly. Mostly they hang out and talk or take in a movie at the Cultural Center downtown. Lately things have moved a bit more in the romantic direction, which Michael feels is a bit weird, but at the same time, it feels sort of right.
Life changes overnight for Michael when four joints are discovered in his locker during a routine drug sweep of the high school. Put there by his friend, Joey, they represent the possible end to Michael's future dreams. He did ask Joey to get him a couple of joints, but he never dreamed the kid would be stupid enough to put them in his locker.
Michael gets advice from just about everyone he knows that he should rat out Joey as his supplier. Even school officials suggest things would go easier for him if he tells. Torn between giving up his future plans and staying loyal to a longtime friend, Michael's world is turned upside-down.
