The Fallen (Bluford Series, Number 11) (edition 2006)

The 11th installment of the Bluford High Series takes a look at a troubled teen who's little brother has been accidentally killed in a gang attack and the repercussions of this on the family and the society as a whole. Mom moves schools in hopes that the oldest child meets better friends - and although he does he finds it hard to climb out of the life he knew and has to make tough choices - such as telling the police what he knows about his friends who are in gangs. Ultimately he finds the courage to defend himself and slowly but surely catches glimpses of how life can be different and better for him. This hilo reader will be an interesting read for those interested in seeing life from a new perspective. ( )

These High Interest-Low Level titles are immensely popular with struggling readers in my high school, and I can certainly see why. Langan writes a suspenseful, relevant story in simple language-- and spends only 133 pages with the story. Martin Luna's younger brother Huero was gunned down as a result of gang violence. The bullet was meant for Martin's gang leader. After the shooting, Martin's mother moved him to a better school (Bluford) so he'd have a better chance-- yet in just a couple weeks Martin has been in a fight, skipped class, and now has to address the superintendent of schools to fight for the chance to stay in school and not be expelled. Langan does a great job of showing the stress Martin is under and the impact it has on all his relationships-- with his mother, with his former friends from the gang, with a budding romance, as well as the remorse and heartache Martin feels for his dead brother. I'll certainly read more of these, not only so I can better talk about them with struggling readers, but also because I enjoyed the story. ( )