Fighter

In this launch of the Cap Central urban fiction series, written at a third-grade level, Jair’s difficult home life fuels the insecurity that causes him to bully other students at his Washington, D.C., high school. Jair’s ill-conceived challenge of new student Zander—who tries to resist any altercation, and who has wicked boxing and martial arts skills, to boot—puts Jair to shame on a viral video for all to see. Rage drives Jair to obtain a gun, but getting even takes a back seat to teamwork when a party gets out of hand and Zander asks for Jair’s help in a dangerous situation. The positive resolutions in Jair’s life don’t feel pat, and the new friendships formed between all the key players will leave readers eager to know them better. Simultaneously available: Running Scared and Hacker. Ages 12–up. (Sept.)