Seventeen-year-old Corbin plays hockey and is known as a scrapper on and off the ice.
Fighting makes him feel strong. Corbin's friend, Darius, is socially adept and popular, and Darius's reckless risk-taking makes Corbin feel alive. With Rubee, a girl both boys like, Darius crosses a line, and after a party at Riley Park, Darius and Corbin are attacked. Darius is killed; Corbin is seriously injured. Corbin fights his clouded memory—he can't identify the assailants. He fights his weakened body—he can no longer play hockey. He fights the loss of his friend. But when he gives up the fight, he finds strength in acceptance.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
TriState Young Adult Book Review Committee Book of Note | 2010 | Commended
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens | 2010 | Commended
Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection | 2009 | Commended
Download the Riley Park Teacher Guide.
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"Another solid entry in the 'Orca Soundings' series that will appeal to either gender...Recommended."
"A suspenseful, tightly plotted story that manages, in only 102 pages, to create both a memorable protagonist and a thought-provoking, emotionally involving story."
"Good for students who are looking for a quick read."
"An intriguing storyline...The story is told in first person by Corbin, pulling the reader into his changed life. The reader feels his doubt and anger. This book will make a good 'guy read', especially for reluctant readers."
"Likable flawed characters drive the plot in this gritty contemporary drama. The fast-paced read feels current and edgy without succumbing to inner-city staging. Riley Park will have both reluctant and struggling readers flipping the pages."