Eighth grade is hard. When you’re 180 pounds and six feet tall, it can be even harder. Most of the kids in Marcus Vega’s school are terrified of him. Marcus uses his intimidating size to help protect smaller kids from the real school bully, Stephen. He uses the money he earns at school to help his mom and his brother. When Stephen says something horrible about Marcus’ brother, Marcus gets into a fight with Stephen and finds himself suspended. Their family decides to take a break and visit Puerto Rico. On this trip, Marcus discovers new things about himself and his family. He realizes that things around him are not always what they seem. If you enjoy realistic fiction, I would highly recommend this for fifth and sixth graders. 

 This book is available as an e-book and e-audio in OverDrive’s Digital Library.  

 Book reviewed by Katie D., Youth Outreach Liaison