FICTION

Busted

Orca. (Orca Anchor). Feb. 2026. 96p. pap. $10.95. ISBN 9781459840508. Gr 7 Up
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Gr 7 Up–This new title offers readers a glimpse into the dynamics of a youth hockey team. Jonah is a member of an elite team headed for the city tournament. Although team members get along well, there is one who is somewhat unpredictable and known for his aggression and quick temper. League rules strictly forbid horseplay in the locker rooms, but when two team members engage in a playful fight and one gets hurt, all team members fear the horseplay will be discovered. The situation is further complicated when a video of the fight surfaces, which was ­accidentally recorded by Jonah. While the novel explains the perils of disregarding rules and alludes to anxiety, the story can feel contrived and unbelievable, as it ends with all parties recognizing the error of their ways and no one receiving consequences for their actions.
VERDICT ­Although not a first purchase, this book is appropriate for libraries seeking to add to their ­high-interest, low-reading-level ­collections where sports-themed titles widely circulate.

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