No Purchase Necessary By: Maria Marianayagam

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"No Purchase Necessary" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This is the story of Ajay and his family who have recently moved to small town, Bridge Creek, so his father can attend university in the nearby city of Callaway.  Ajay is hopeful for a new start, but finds himself the target of the school goons early on.  Jacob, the leader, who has been stealing from "Scary Al's" convenience store tells Ajay to get him a chocolate bar.  Ajay, who is seeking Jacob's approval, sees no option but to steal a chocolate bar.  After Ajay does this, Jacob doesn't even take the bar.  When Ajay opens the chocolate, he finds the one million dollar prize ticket inside the wrapper.  This money would mean a lot to his family, but he only won it by breaking several of his strict Tamil family's rules.  This begins a whole series of lies. Will Ajay come clean?  Will his family's life be changed by the winnings?  This is a heartfelt story of growing up, trying to fit in, family, and friendship.  I highly recommend this book.