Rash Rocks!

I admit that I am a big fan of Pete Hautman. He is definitely a great author for the "thinking" young adult. I loved Invisible even though it greatly disturbed me, but Rash was even better and it didn't freak me out. The story takes places in the future where The Child Safety Act has pretty much eliminated anything dangerous and hurtful including football. If you violate the act (this includes fighting and saying mean things) it is a misdemeanor charge. You have three chances and the punishment is a work camp. Bo, the main character, loses his cool one too many times and is sentenced to three years at a pizza making work camp that is in the artic tundra. It is surrounded by hungry polar bears. What makes it even more dangeorus is that the "warden" has his detainees play illegal football. Will Bo make it home or will he become a lifer? It was an interesting commentary on how the future of America focuses so much on safety rather than freedoms.

There are quite a few instances of cursing and inappropriate language. It's typical of teenage boys. However, I would be careful to give it to younger middle school students. It's also a "reader" book who has a grasp on American ideals (like how we value freedom) otherwise this book might be lost on them. If you have a rebel student who likes to read (or is a good reader but says he/she can't find a good book) have them try this book.