Two Foot Punch.

Anne Hutchings is a public-school teacher and librarian in Ajax,
Ontario.

Following the tragic death of their parents in a house fire, not quite 16-year-old Nikki and her older brother, Derek, have recently moved to Winnipeg to live with their aunt, a criminal court judge. Still grieving and full of anger toward her brother, whom she blames for the loss of her parents, Nikki finds solace in the sport of parkour.

Derek, believing that he was responsible for the fire, seems bent on self-destruction. Seeking refuge in drugs and booze, he gets mixed up with operators of a grow lab. The gang members hold him hostage and threaten to kill him unless his aunt dismisses the charges against a dirty cop. It is up to Nikki, with the help of her new friend, Rain, to use both her physical ability and her head to save her brother’s life.

Many readers may be familiar with parkour from movies such as the 2006 remake of James Bond’s Casino Royale. Others, like this reviewer, may be required to do some research about the sport. Incorporating elements of martial arts, gymnastics, and running, among others, Wikipedia defines parkour, or PK, as “an activity with the aim of moving from one point to another as efficiently and quickly as possible, using principally the abilities of the human body. It is meant to help one overcome obstacles … from branches and rocks to rails and concrete walls…”

Author Anita Daher has skillfully incorporated details about the sport with contemporary urban issues such as gangs and grow-ops in this suspenseful novel. Fast-paced with plenty of action, Two Foot Punch will be appealing to young teen audiences. Highly recommended.