Comments on: Bait by Alex Sanchez

By: Richie Steven

Richie Steven — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:05:05 +0000

Hi Josephine,
Did you read the book “Boys Don’t Cry” by Malorie Blackman which also discusses these issues? It is also on this HS list.

By: Josephine

Josephine — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:51:01 +0000

BAIT
The protagonist in this story is a troubled, traumatized teenage boy who has to see a probation officer for beating up a schoolmate. It’s a very serious and dark plot, as it covers psychological issues. I especially liked this book because it focused on an issue that I think isn’t discussed enough in young adult novels, which is homosexuality and homophobia. 

By: Kourtney Easterling

Kourtney Easterling — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 02:29:51 +0000

This book discusses the story of 16-year-old Diego. He is a teen accused by classmates for being homosexual. He often lashes out at his classmates and peers because of the rude comments and remarks they make regarding his sexual interests. After multiple warnings Diego ends up on probation. He convinces his probation officer to give him another chance and hopes that through counseling he can rearrange his negative behaviors and lives.

Diego becomes courageous as the novel progresses. He fosters the courage to discuss/reflect on the abuse his stepfather committed to him prior to his suicide. The book ends on a positive note; with the hope that Diego will eventually be able to trust others and reach his full potential.

By: Anne-Marie Thinnes

Anne-Marie Thinnes — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:50:00 +0000

I was very impressed by this book too. I could not forget the main character and his story for along time after I finished the book. A strong book, I highly recommend it!

By: Richie Steven

Richie Steven — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 06:11:14 +0000

A superb book that kept me hooked until the very last page and with a good ending: what more could you ask for?
This is the tale of a young man in trouble with the law and finding it hard to deal with anger. He ends up in court after beating somebody up at school and is aquitted by the court. During his court sessions he has met a superb listener – the first person he has ever been able to talk out freely to. In order to be able to continue meeting him he asks to be put on probation and have this man act as his probabtion officer. He makes good progress with him and despite a few set backs looks forward to his anger being kept under control and his probation over. He is encouraged to deal with a string of terrible events that he suffered at his own hand and the hands of his American step father. His Mexican mother always grateful for their new start in America refuses to listen to her son when he tells her of the abuse that he is suffering.
This is a story full of deep feelings, hard to accept truths and all told so well. Very difficult to deal with subjects are handled with great sympathy and understanding. I really would like to read more books by this author.