Bait

Diego has gotten into trouble because of his temper before. But when he punches out a guy at school who was looking at him funny, he finds himself in juvenile court, facing the possibility of probation, or worsejuvenile jail. Diego doesnt trust or like Mr. Vidas, his assigned probation officer. But its either talk to Mr. Vidas, or end up in worse trouble. When Diego eventually opens up to Mr. Vidas, he begins to understand that the source of his anger is buried in his pastand to move beyond it, he must stop running from his personal demons. From School Library Journal Starred Review. Grade 7 UpDiego MacMann is in trouble. At 16, he faces juvenile court, charged with assault. He just can't control his fists, especially when he feels that his masculinity is threatened. Anger-management classes have failed, and now this earnest young man teeters between self-loathing and defensive pride. Hope comes unexpectedly when he establishes a bond with Mr. Vidas. The probation officer asks questions that challenge Diego to examine his motivations and his emotional life. How does he feel about his absent birth father? The stepfather who committed suicide? The gay student who looked at him that way just before Diego punched him out? The third-person narrative keeps readers one step ahead of Diego as he unravels the effects of abandonment, poverty, and sexual abuse on himself and his struggling family. During the short sessions with Mr. Vidas, he finds some of the tools and insights he needs to navigate his rocky passage to maturity. Unlike most recent fiction that addresses sexual abuse, this story focuses not on the telling of secrets, but on making sense of the experience and building a healthy foundation for moving forward. This groundbreaking novel brings to life an appealing young man who is neither totally a victim nor a victimizer, one who struggles to handle conflicts that derail many young lives. Teens will identify with Diego's dreams and frustrations, his feeling of difference, his yearning for normal life and relationships. High interest and accessible, this coming-of-age story belongs in every collection. For the one in six boys who is sexually abused, it could be a lifesaver. Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Review " Bait opens some new, deep territory -- difficult, heartbreaking, and courageous; Diego's story will stick with readers for a long time. Alex Sanchez is a wonderful writer, brave and compassionate." -- Terry Trueman, Printz Honor author of Stuck In Neutral "The emotions are keenly conveyed here, and long after the other plot details have faded, Diego's raw urgency and need will likely linger with readers."-- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Sanchez draws his characters lovingly, making it very apparent that hegenuinely understands their peril. Kirkus Reviews An authentic and tender storySanchez does a masterful job. Publishers Weekly After Diego lands himself on probation for fighting, he doesn't trust his probation officer, Mr. Vidas. But as he begins to open up, Diego realizes that he needs Mr. Vidas's help to get his anger under control. To do that, Diego will need to face the nightmares from his past head-on and confront the memories he's been avoiding. Will anyone even believe him if he tells the truth about his stepfather? Award-winning author Alex Sanchez writes about a teen's very real struggle to overcome his anger and take control of his life.