breakingrank

Breaking Rank, by Kristen D. Randle ISBN: 0-688-16243-6 c1999 201 pages R.L. 5.9 Points-8

Good sections to read aloud: -page 1 through the middle of page 3 (gaining an understanding of the “clan.”) -bottom of page 10 through the end of page 11 (sterotypes of the “clan.”)

Summary: Thomas Fairbairn (also known as “Baby” to his friends) decides out of the blue one day to take a test, something his “clan” doesn’t ever do. He does so well on this test, that the faculty at his high school see that he has potential to be a member of the honors classes. Mr. Hall is in charge of trying to recruit Baby to participate in the honors program, and also line up a peer counselor to help him adapt to the change. Baby is not in favor of the honor classes for one reason...he knows he will be kicked out of the clan (because they don’t believe in participation at school) and that is pretty much all the family he has in the world. Yet, he knows that this is the opportunity of a lifetime...something that could help him go on to a great college. With the help of Casey, his peer counselor (a girl), he does start the program. What happens with the clan finds out about this new “honors” program though?

YA Fiction--teen issues; gangs; high school

©Jennifer Lang - 2003 -WDMS