Caley's new home is much different than the disciplined but comfortable life he was used to. As a rising martial arts champion whose adoptive father produces martial arts movies, Caley's danger comes in the form of formal competitions not the daily fear of gang violence. But the change also brings new opportunities. For the first time, Caley has a real friend, Quinn, and he is attending school instead of his usual on-set tutoring. As their friendship grows, Quinn guides Caley through the maze of gang wars and rivalries while trying to discover his own place in his world. Among the people that Caley befriends, six year old Nicky strikes a chord in Caley that he can't explain. He feels like he needs to protect the child from the brutality of his life. Nicky's sudden disappearance brings Caley full circle to confront his own forgotten past as Quinn learns the real meaning of loyalty and friendship. jerjonji's new novel exposes the realities of gang life without stereotyping characters. The characterization of gang leaders and street people as well as doctors and film producers are rich and vibrant. Praised as her best novel yet, Red Kicks is a well told tale that will appeal to both teens and adults alike. To say this story is about the friendship between two 14 year old boys from different backgrounds would not be giving this book the credit and attention it deserves. Yet, this is exactly what Red Kicks, by jerjonji, is at its root. Quinn is a heritage member of a street gang called The Riverside Council. Caley is a champion martial artist and the new kid in school. Their journey begins early one morning, when Quinn decides to attack Caley in order to prove himself worthy of his gang. Instead of harming Caley, the two boys end up damaging the car of Mrs. Jones, a strict, but beloved, teacher at their high school. To make up for the damage done to her car and almost to each other, Mrs. Jones forces the boys to spend time in her classroom each day, studying for SAT's and reading classic literature. The world outside the classroom is one of violence, misplaced loyalties, dirty politics, and rigid practice schedules. The boys eventually move their friendship beyond the classroom and into their real lives, but not without each being changed by the other's world. Teresa Kirby In a word - riveting. Red Kicks is a coming-of-age tale that is able to masterfully blend thrills and action with life lessons that could serve someone of any background. A highly recommended read David Tolle