
Reach for this book when your teen is navigating the complex gray area between loyalty to a friend and personal accountability. Michael Kerrigan is a high-achieving student-athlete who seemingly has it all until the police discover drugs in his locker. While he is innocent, the pressure to 'narc' on the real culprit (his best friend) versus losing his future as a track star creates a high-stakes ethical dilemma. This story resonates with parents of teenagers who are beginning to realize that doing the 'right thing' often comes with a significant social or personal cost. It is a grounded, realistic look at how one moment of misplaced loyalty can derail a promising path and serves as an excellent catalyst for discussing integrity and the consequences of the company we keep.
Focuses on marijuana possession and use among teens.
The book deals directly with drug possession and the legal/academic ramifications of teen substance use. The approach is secular and pragmatic. The resolution is realistic rather than perfectly 'happy,' emphasizing that while integrity is essential, it doesn't always erase the damage done to relationships.
A middle or high schooler who feels the weight of high expectations and is struggling with the 'bro code' or the pressure to protect friends who are making poor choices.
Parents should be aware of the frank discussions regarding marijuana and the cynical outlook some characters have toward authority figures. The book can be read cold but benefits from a post-read chat about the legal realities of 'constructive possession.' A parent might reach for this after discovering their child has lied to cover for a friend's misbehavior or if their child is feeling the immense pressure of being 'perfect.'
Younger teens will focus on the 'fairness' of the situation and the fear of getting in trouble. Older teens will better appreciate the nuance of Mike's internal conflict regarding his changing identity and his dwindling connection to his childhood friend.
Unlike many 'problem novels,' this is incredibly concise (under 130 pages) and uses Mike's job as an obituary writer as a clever metaphor for the 'death' of his old, perfect reputation.
Michael Kerrigan is the golden boy of East Scranton High: track captain, honors student, and part-time obituary writer. His world implodes when school security finds four joints in his locker. The drugs belong to his childhood friend Joey, but the school and police don't know that. Mike must decide if he will take the fall to protect a lifelong friendship or tell the truth to save his own athletic and academic future.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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