Up North

by Jeff Ross

Rob Maclean and his mom have moved to a small community in northern Ontario in order to be closer to Rob's imprisoned brother, Adam. One night after a rowdy party, Rob and some friends end up in a van speeding through a First Nations reserve. The driver of the van has a deep hatred for Indigenous people, and he lobs rotten fruit at a group of young men gathered in front of a community center. The young men chase them down, and Rob's friend Alan is injured and ends up in a coma. Now the police are pressuring Rob to identify their prime suspect.

This is the second story featuring Rob and Adam Maclean after Coming Clean.

144 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2017

About the author

Jeff Ross is an award-winning author of thirteen novels for young adults.

Reviews

[Jayne Downes]

One of the better books that could be used for reluctant readers. Thought provoking; had good messages about racism and crime; also had survival content. Short chapters, a fast read.

[Anne]

Rob and his mom have moved to a small town in Northern Ontario to be closer to the place where Rob's brother is in prison. There is a lot of racial tension between the whites and the First Nations people who live there. Rob tries to stay out of it, but one day is involved in a very serious incident. He's assigned to community service and starts to learn some important things about himself and others.

Definitely a MESSAGE book, albeit a very important message. The plot and characters are engaging enough that it does not feel pedantic, however. A strong hi-lo book that will appeal to struggling/reluctant readers. Some survival aspects, so might also appeal to those who like "Hatchet"/survival stories.

[Kris]

There are some elements here that start to make a good story, but there isn't enough self-awareness from the characters. What happens is a huge deal, and a kid dies, and I don't feel like any of the really GET that. Not only the racist POS who sets everything in motion, but also the main character, who seems to think he has no culpability.

[Roxanne]

rtc

[wvreads]

A quick read that packs a real punch as it deals with racial tensions, standing up to peers for what is right, and speaking the truth in face of dire consequences.

[Keith]

spoiler alert i thought it was very anti-climatic when alan died

[Trixie Wagner]

Fantastic read. Tackles tough topics.