A Kid from Southie

Gr 8 Up—Aiden O'Connor, a South Boston Irish kid, is fighting his first boxing match-and he's losing. Then his opponent calls him a name, and Aiden, who has anger management issues, gets mad and wins. With an alcoholic mom and dad who aren't paying the rent, a drug-dealing best friend, a biracial girl he's in love with, and the Mafia ruling his neighborhood, the 17-year-old has a lot to stress about. Tempted by the money the Mafia and drugs offer, yet struggling with wanting to get out of the hood and the ultimate lack of control, Aiden is faced with numerous dilemmas and must make difficult choices. Ultimately, he is grappling with the meaning of power and being a man. With lots of action, short chapters, and realistic but raw language, this one's a winner. The great cover will attract reluctant readers and the content will keep them turning the pages.—Amy Cheney, Alameda County Library, Oakland, CA