As Ethan grew up, he was constantly in trouble with the law. Since moving to a new foster home, however, he has tried to straighten up. He no longer hangs out with his old friends and he has become enthusiastically involved in a summer youth program taking pictures of hawks. Because of this, he is surprised when he is attacked multiple times. It slowly becomes clear that whoever is attacking him wants his camera. Now Ethan must figure out who wants his camera and why before they succeed in killing him. Although the overall plot sounds like it would be fast-paced and thrilling, it comes out as a series of mildly exciting events with nothing in between. It is written in the first person with Ethan conversationally narrating the story. Despite a constant description of his thoughts and feelings, Ethan still has little range of emotion, even when he is attacked. Picture This is a quick, easy read, but it lacks the suspense and believability necessary for a hi-lo book. It is appropriate for children in grades eight through twelve that do not have strong reading skills. It is recommended for the young adult section of a public library. ( )

This is a very fast read about a boy, Ethan, who is turning his life around. He was involved with gangs in the past, but has stopped associating with them, and is now happily involved in a program for kids at risk called Picture This. While taking photographs for aPicture This assignment, he unknowingly captures a photograph that will end up endangering his life! This fast paced, easy novel will be perfect for middle school reluctant readers, especially boys, who have an interest in photography. ( )

Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Life hasn't been easy for Ethan. He had to leave his last foster home after Mrs. Girardi had a heart attack. Now he's living with Mr. and Mrs. Ashdale. They are nice folks, and thanks to them, he's no longer involved with the Nine Eight gang.

Ethan is spending the summer taking pictures. He is part of a new program at the local community center called Picture This. Just about every minute of every day he's got his camera in hand and is taking photos of everything.

When he finds himself the victim of a mugging-style attack in a back alley, Ethan refuses to hand over his backpack because he can't imagine parting with his prized camera. He escapes his attacker and thinks of the incident as a random event until several days later someone breaks into the home of his foster parents and ransacks the place.

Several other incidents occur, including a shooting that seems to have him as the intended target. As the police become involved, Ethan begins to feel more like a suspect than a victim. His earlier gang involvement has law enforcement officers thinking he must be up to something to have guns firing in his direction.

Ethan is determined to figure out what is going on and, at the same time, protect his life with the best family he's ever had. As long as Mr. and Mrs. Ashdale continue to believe in him, he is confident that things will work out.

At just over 100 pages, PICTURE THIS by Norah McClintock offers readers an amazing amount of action and mystery. Ethan is portrayed as the typical at-risk, big city teen trying to improve his life. Readers will cheer him on as he works to hang onto his new life. ( )