Responsible.

Kevin is new in the neighbourhood. He is used to moving frequently with his father, who needs to take work where he can. But the constant challenge of new schools never gets easier for Kevin. With his dad preoccupied with his own worries, Kevin has no one to share his concerns about fitting in and spends a lot of time alone. At school, against his better judgment, he finds himself a participant in Nick’s bullying, malicious pranks. Nick’s main target is spirited Erin, who refuses to be cowed by him. She regularly seeks the principal’s help in bringing Nick to justice, but her pleas are largely disregarded. Kevin soon learns that Nick and his henchmen are planning more serious transgressions against Erin, and at that point Kevin takes a stand against Nick. As Nick tries to forcibly shave her head, Kevin finally does the right thing, saving Erin but taking a severe beating himself.

This is another book in the impressive Orca Soundings series, which are contemporary, high-interest novels aimed at those aged 12 and up. Responsible has a Reading Level of 3.2. Titles in this series are short, fast-paced reads, and it is impressive that in a book of this length Ryan is able to incorporate such realistic action, great dialogue, and excellent portraits of the main characters.

The narration in the first person allows us to understand and empathize with Kevin, who is wrestling with loneliness and his need to belong but also to be upright in his actions. Erin’s courage is deftly portrayed, and she is a great female role model. Kevin’s father, despite his abstractions, is an honourable man and a caring father and is most sensitively depicted. The pace is fast, the ever present topic of bullying only too real, and the ending not only satisfying but realistic. In doing the right thing Kevin learns that virtue is sometimes the only reward, although the book ends with a sense that life will improve for him. This is sure to be a popular read and deservedly so. Highly recommended.