Cheat

Laurel discovers her passion for investigative journalism when she writes an article for her school paper about the homeless man who's been living at the school. Eager to write more articles with impact, she launches an investigation of a cheating scam at her high school. Laurel's efforts elicit hostility from her classmates. Nobody is interested in seeing her article go to print, not even her own brother. It is evident that the cheating is widespread, and Laurel, caught up in the thrill of the investigation, is willing to commit social suicide to get the story, but her ultimate discovery changes everything. (20100924)From BooklistHaving grown up in the shadow of her big brother, a school legend, Laurel is thrilled when one of her stories for the school paper wins acclaim. Eager to repeat her success, Laurel writes a piece about cheating after she observes one classmate slip test answers to another. The reaction to this story is totally different. “Lighten up,” her friend tells her. “It’s no big deal.” Laurel is dismayed because “dishonesty is dishonesty.” An anonymous tip points Laurel to a bigger cheating scandal, but her investigation leads her straight to people she cares about, and suddenly the issue is far from black and white. This Orca Currents title for low-level readers focuses on issues teens will care about. Laurel’s clandestine probing provides plenty of plot tension, and her discoveries will keep readers guessing about larger mysteries. Readers will want to discuss the issue of cheating, its ramifications, and Laurel’s final choices about turning people in. Grades 5-8. --Lynn Rutan Review"Butcher offers an insightful look into the ethics and morals of high school students...The short book really lends itself to a good discussion." (PSLA Top Forty 20110401)"Well suited to its intended audience With its succinct text, short chapters, and emphasis on contemporary teen issues, Cheat should be popular with reluctant young adult readers .Recommended." (CM Magazine 20110201)"A realistic portrayal of high school students' attitudes towards cheating This is a well written narrative that will challenge readers to make a decision about what's right and what's wrong. Recommended." (Library Media Connection )"Short, quick chapters are propelled by frenetic action True to life, this book does not offer a tidy, Pollyanna-ish conclusion; Laurel comes to learn from this experience a difficult lesson at a great expense. A speedy read." (Kirkus Reviews )"It was easy to get caught up in this book—enough suspense to keep the story moving briskly along. A good hi-low read for teens." (Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media )"Butcher's portrayal of high school cheating is believable, with actual consequences...The pacing will keep reluctant readers hooked until the very end." (School Library Journal )