Impulse grab at the library because of the engaging cover & title, and because of the potentially intriguing setting. So, it turns out to be aimed particularly at reluctant male MG readers because it's fast-paced with lots of themes about growing up and what kind of a man you'll be, with bullies and gangs, etc.

It starts out with the adventure, but once the reader is hooked, it gets more thoughtful & complex, so even this 50 yo avid female reader enjoyed it. I also appreciated the Hawaiian setting, with information about contemporary island culture and heritage - the author is from Hawaii so the setting felt real and was probably true. ( )

Boy (his name) has plenty to deal with: his fear of dogs, Gabriel the class bully, and his brother Damon’s descent into gangs and gang life.