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Young Adult Fiction Prejudice & Racism

A Dark Truth

by (author) Jeff Ross

Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Initial publish date
Oct 2016
Category
Prejudice & Racism, Friendship, Skateboarding
Recommended Age
12 to 18
Recommended Grade
8 to 12
Recommended Reading age
12 to 18
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781459813274
    Publish Date
    Oct 2016
    List Price
    $9.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781459813298
    Publish Date
    Oct 2016
    List Price
    $7.99

Classroom Resources

Download Teacher’s Guide

Where to buy it

Description

Riley and Dashawn have been friends since they were three.

They got into skateboarding together and have advanced to the point where it's time to create a Sponsor Me tape. They bring a third skater along, Natasha, and try to get some good clips around a new office development. Then the police storm into the lot. The three skaters quickly scatter, trying their best not to get busted. Riley and Natasha arrive at the meet-up spot. They wait and wait, but Dashawn never shows.

The next day Riley visits Dashawn, only to discover that the police have given him a “beat-down.” Nothing like this has ever happened before, and for Riley it is a wake-up call that whether they know it or not, not everyone lives in the same world he does.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

About the author

Jeff Ross is an avid rider of boards. If you can stand sideways on something and propel yourself forward, backward and/or sideways, then sign him up. He spent his formative years standing sideways on a board in Thornbury, Ontario, and now stands sideways on boards in Ottawa, Ontario, where he teaches Scriptwriting and English at Algonquin College. More information can be found at www.jeffrossbooks.com.

Jeff Ross' profile page

Awards

  • Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

Editorial Reviews

"A good read...Highly recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"At the heart of this high-interest low-vocabulary title is an edgy exploration of racism and its consequences and impacts. Ross examines the abuse of power, in this case attributed to the police officers, and the fear and anger that results when these abuses are not addressed. A Dark Truth is a powerful and emotional story."

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