ZEE'S WAY

Author: Kristin Butcher

Publisher: Orca Books

Date: 2004

Ranking: 4/5

Age Range: 11+

Bucther's novel, Zee's Way, is short, action-packed, easy-to-read: all the markings of a good hi-lo book. The novel charts the story of Zee, a teenage boy who hangs out with a group of friends that many people in his town don't like and view as trouble-makers.  Zee likes to spray-paint and gets caught spray-painting the side of a local business, so to make up for the damage, he's commissioned to create a mural that he embraces as a way to make a statement.

The novel is predictable and through a series of events, by the end, public perception of Zee and his friends has changed dramatically and all is well that ends well.

Teens who have difficulty reading or simply don't like reading will appreciate Butcher's writing style. Adolescent boys will probably particularly like this book.