Tight By: Torrey Maldonado

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

Bryan lives in the projects of Brooklyn with his mom, dad, and older sister.  Bryan is a good student and likes spending his time after school at the office where his mom works, doing his homework, reading comics, and drawing.  Bryan doesn't have a close friend until his mom introduces him to Mike. Bryan's mom thinks Mike will be a good friend - he's new to the neighbourhood and gets good grades just like Bryan.  The boys hit it off over their love of drawing and comics and things are going well until Mike starts suggesting things like skipping school.  Bryan gets drawn into some behaviours that aren't like him and he has some difficult decisions to make.  This is a story of friendship, family, and staying true to yourself.  It's a fast-paced and interesting read that will appeal to fans of realistic fiction.