Tight

Sixth-grader Bryan lives in a low-income neighbourhood in Brookyn, where he prefers to be on his own and avoid ‘drama’. His father wants him to befriend Mike, who appears to be polite and responsible but actually breaks rules, takes risks, and bullies his friends, including Bryan, and when Bryan befriends quiet, gentle Big Will, Mike is angry and in a fit of temper Bryan stands up to Mike and the two fight, but Big Will helps Bryan learn that it’s better to talk things out than use violence. This novel, for grades 6-8, deals with issues faced by youth marginalized by poverty, race, a culture of violence, and incarceration of a parent, and demonstrates how youth can stand up for themselves and deal with bullies.