Lockdown (Orca Soundings) [Paperback]

Diane Tullson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2008 | Series: Orca Soundings

Some days it's just easier not to go to school at all. Adam has been slacking off lately, but today he stuck around to see his girlfriend. When Josh, who has been bullied mercilessly, brings a gun to school, the building is locked down and Adam is forced to risk everything to save himself and to find Zoe before Josh does. Calling on reserves he didn't know he had, Adam could end up a hero—or a victim.

 

 

(20080215)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Readers will see how good people can make bad decisions in this trim novel about a student who, frustrated by the abuse of his peers, brings a gun to school and rampages the halls, sending the place into emergency lockdown. Interestingly, the author avoids placing the blame on that one person: I didn’t mean it’s your fault. I mean, no one stepped in. So maybe it’s everyone’s fault. And anyway, Josh isn’t crazy. He’s just different. Crazy and normal are two terms the students (and readers ) struggle to define as the story spins out. The issues are realistic, but things are tied up a bit too quickly, and there’s not enough insight into the characters’ backgrounds to place their behavior in firm context. It’s made clear early on that the shooter’s rage is the result of accumulated abuse, but readers looking for depth may not buy the premeditated nature of the young man’s actions. The language will suit less skillful readers, who will find this story of a teen-related current issue quite accessible. Grades 6-8. --Rebecca Jensen

Review

"Diane Tullson is a wonderful up and coming author." (Resource Links 20081001)

"The language will suit less skillful readers, who will find this story of teen-related current issue quite accessible." (Booklist 20080901)

"The title and cover alone are sure to catch the eye of many teens looking for an accessible and interesting story. Recommended." (CM Magazine 20090301)

"A worthwhile read." (TeensReadToo.com )

"This story of a school in crisis is an intense, suspenseful read." (The Horn Book Guide )

*no details* (WASHYARG )

"High tension drama... grabs you by the throat at page one and it's an adrenaline rush all throughout the book...the type of book that could stimulate some really good discussions in a high school classroom or at home." (CBC Radio One - All Points West )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 103 pages
• Publisher: Orca Book Publishers (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1551439166
• ISBN-13: 978-1551439167
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #529,861 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #88 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Teens > Social Issues > Violence
  • #96 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Social Issues > Violence

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, August 17, 2008

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lockdown (Orca Soundings) (Paperback)

"Ms. Topett turns to the class. Her voice shakes. 'Sometimes this happens in nature. Sometimes, if conditions are harsh, like there isn't enough food.'"

Students in the science class are still groaning as they react to the hamster eating her own young. But Josh knows it wasn't just nature, it was the cruel behavior of his fellow classmates.

Josh is not like everyone else. He dresses differently. He doesn't interact well with others. He stutters and is often the butt of cruel jokes. Maybe that's why he runs from the classroom that morning and makes the decisions that lead to tragedy.

Adam tells the story of what happened that day. He believes he knows the real Josh, and unlike his classmates, he tries to make a difference. When it becomes obvious that Josh is the gunman terrorizing the school, Adam chooses a path of positive action to avoid disaster.

LOCKDOWN focuses on an all-too-common situation in today's schools. School shootings are often the result of bullying and teasing. Josh is pushed beyond his limits and decides violence is the answer. This short novel (103 pages) highlights this problem in current society. Although the plot is simple, readers are taken into a frightening situation in enough depth to make it a worthwhile read.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

5.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good!, December 4, 2008

By 

Dagger (Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Lockdown (Orca Soundings) (Paperback)

As a high school reading specialist, I have read MOST (30+) of the Orca Soundings books. This is in the top 5. Exciting. Suspenseful. Most students would be able to visualize a situation like this happening, so it's one that they can make a personal connection with. I enjoyed it, and I think it lends itself to class discussions of bullying, acceptance of differences in peers, and empathy.