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“What starts as a quiet drama quickly escalates to a potent, fiery story while remaining a deep meditation about cycles of violence.”
—Kirkus Reviews  (Starred Review)

On the Hook

Written by Francisco X. Stork
Published by Scholastic, Inc.

Hector has always minded his own business, working hard to make his way to a better life someday. He’s the chess team champion, helps the family with his job at the grocery, and teaches his little sister to shoot hoops overhand.

Until Joey singles him out. Joey, whose older brother, Chavo, is head of the Discípulos gang, tells Hector that he’s going to kill him: maybe not today, or tomorrow, but someday. And Hector, frozen with fear, does nothing. From that day forward, Hector’s death is hanging over his head every time he leaves the house. He tries to fade into the shadows — to drop off Joey’s radar — to become no one.

But when a fight between Chavo and Hector’s brother Fili escalates, Hector is left with no choice but to take a stand.

The violent confrontation will take Hector places he never expected, including a reform school where he has to live side-by-side with his enemy, Joey. It’s up to Hector to choose whether he’s going to lose himself to revenge or get back to the hard work of living.

Primary ISBN: 9781338692150
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Young Adult, Age 12 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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