Responsible

by Darlene Ryan

Kevin Frasier is in a new high school—his fourth in the last year. He is trying to get along and not cause any waves. When he falls in with Nick and his friends, Frasier ends up going along as the group bullies and threatens their way through the school. When Nick starts tormenting Erin—and she stands up to him—the harassment escalates until Kevin is forced to make a difficult decision and risk everything.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Ebooks

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Darlene Ryan also writes under the names Sofie Kelly and Sofie Ryan.

Reviews

[Jeliya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is what I call a realistic fiction. The story is not based on a single real-life event, but it is so grounded and centred in reality. Kevin just wants to fit in and not cause problems, so it leads him to doing a thing or two that he doesn't want to do but ultimately, in the end, he can't satisfy every demand of Nick. He eventually steps up when Nick goes to the extreme, but in the end, he doesn't even know why. He is bruised beyond belief, is pushed around when he goes back to school, is on the reciving end of some cruel and disturbing jokes (dead rat with his name written on it danging from a noose in his locker) and Erin isn't particularly warm or friendly with him since he never stopped Nick before and sometimes carried out some of his dirty work (rat in Erin's locker).

I liked how the end wrapped up the loose ends throughout the story. It didn't feel like the impossible happened, rather each thing was resolved realistically like Kevin and his dad's new house - it's a simple house still in need of work rather than a grand mansion -, Kevin and Erin end up having lunch really amicably at their new school so they are on good terms rather than being the best if friends and Kevin's dad picked up a job.

I really enjoyed the use of similies in this book. Kevin described almost everyone to an animal: Nick to a cat, Brandon as a ferret and Mr. Harris as a salamander. I also want to add that I really enjoyed the role of Mr. Harris. Coming back to this book mimicking reality, he seems like the average teacher - only talks to Nick and his friends, never does anything critical to stop them and even gives Erin detention when she finds the rat because she cursed when she complained about Nick to him, Mr. Harris even went said she can't prove it was Nick - very similar to the action of real teachers who sometimes turn a blind eye on bullying until it goes too far. Mr. Harris only took notice in the very end, and he gave his word to deal with those students to Kevin's dad, but at that point, it meant nothing to Mr. Frasier, which he told to Mr. Harris.

[Jaeli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grabbed a random book because I have been in a major slump. The lessons are clear. I couldn’t figure out if I liked the main character or not throughout. Overall good book.

[Victoria Waddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kevin Frazier moves from school to school because his dad’s work isn’t stable. Dad works in construction, and he moves to where the jobs are. For Kevin, that has meant four moves in only one school year. Still, he’s trying to get along.

Kevin is befriended by Nick who is pretty much a school bully. He acts like he is involved in mishaps—knocking into people, accidentally tripping them, etc., but, of course, he’s hurting others on purpose, for fun.

One girl in the school, Erin, refuses to put up with Nick. It seems he is on her case because she wouldn’t go out with him. Every time he does something bad to her, she calls him out. Erin tells the school vice principal. Accuses Nick loudly in the halls. Nick doesn’t like that Erin isn’t acting like a silent lamb. Now he’s really out to get her.

Although Kevin is not involved in the plan to really damage Erin, he learns about it by accident. And he knows that standing up to Nick will mean that he is going to get badly hurt. What should he do? Is there any way out of the mess? Why is doing the right thing so hard?

High school housekeeping: Responsible has a Lexile level of 620, which puts it at about the 4th-5th grade reading level. As part of the Orca Soundings series, it’s meant for high school students working on their reading skills. And for those students, Responsible is a great choice. I’m amazed at how much character development and story the author can pack into this little book. I became so worried about Erin and what would happen to her—she is in far more trouble than she realizes. And then for Kevin, too, who has a terrible dilemma. Darlene Ryan has done a great job here, and I’m looking forward to more of her books. If you are looking for other hi-low books, I’ve reviewed some on this blog. One of my favorite hi-low authors is Norah McClintock.

NOTE: This review is also posted on my blog School Library Lady.

[Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave the book Responsible 5 out of 5 because it is the best book I believe I have ever read. Anyone who picks up this book will not put it down till the end and you will still be begging for more. Anybody that reads this book will relate to a character in one way or another, weather it is Kevin, Erin, Kevin’s Father, Nick, or any of Nick’s Friends. This novel shows what happens in a high school and what people do to be popular or act cool. Responsible is an outstanding book and I think after you read it you will agree with my 5 out of 5.

I would have to say the best part of this book is when Nick and his “friends”, more like followers, try to finally get back at Erin for standing up to Nick. Nick and his “friends” were sitting in the woods waiting for Erin to walk by after her practice, when she walked by they blindfolded her and tired her up. They had a voice changer so she wouldn’t know who it was, they began to hit and kick her and they had the intention of rapping her. Kevin knew what they were going to do and decided to come to her rescue, he got beat up pretty bad but still saved Erin.

This book will make you think weather you’re a student or a parent about you school or your child’s school. High school is a rough place and this book shows how much of a jungle it truly is. The way bullies are and what people do to be popular my blow your mind.

Finally I would like to talk about the ending of this superb novel. Kevin and Erin got out of the hospital and became friends then boyfriend and girlfriend. Things still were not easy at school, but they never are, Nick and his buddies got in a lot of trouble. This ending was very effective to me because there was some happiness but not perfect just like real life. Books that are 100% perfect bore me and that’s why this one hits at the top of my list, its written like real life.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gritty and real, this story about a boy who has to make tough choices and face-up to his involvement with a crew of bullies when a female classmate is assaulted, is not my usual fare. There are startling moments of a bleakly stark reality to this tale: a vice-principal who's hands are tied without tangible proof, a father barely coping, and a bleak and off-putting objectification of women displayed by the bullies in the school. As the main character, Kevin Frasier is forced to think his way through what it means to "do the right thing" and what that actually looks like in daily life.

This is not a neatly resolved story and that may be what some educators (and parents) would object to. However, it is my belief that for many teens, this story will ring true to their experience of the world as it doesn't shy away from the questions and injustices we often wish (in polite or acceptable society) to hide under the rug. Making the right choices and living life responsibly isn't tidy and clean with a happy, moral ending; it is often ambiguous, messy and imperfect. Kevin's struggle with himself to make the correct choice and weigh your options towards the ethical rather than take the easy way out is a fundamental part of learning to make decisions as a teenager. I think this novel does this well.

This particular novel is not intended for a Junior level audience--in fact, in this case I would certainly say that a higher Intermediate or high-interest/low-reading level Senior would be most appropriate.

[Logan]

Logan Kelley
English
Stephanie Lytle
January 24, 2013
Responsible

I was interested in the book “Responsible” because I have read the first chapter before and reading just a little I was hooked. I really enjoyed the book because it is a story that shows the difference good and bad.

The novel “Responsible” written by Darlene Ryan, is a book about a kid named Kevin and he gets involved with the type of people at his new school. Kevin is forced to move school a lot because his father cannot keep a job. At school Kevin get involved with this kid named Nick and his friends. After Kevin gets in trouble a few times his father insists that he stays away from them. But Kevin being Kevin he can’t stay away. One day Kevin hears a rumor that nick is going to do something to a girl in the woods and knows he should not go but he ends up watching from a distance. When Kevin - watching from behind a bush sees things go bad he jumps out to save the girl but Nick beats up Kevin and makes Kevin go to the hospital.

I liked the book but the things that kind of disappointed me was the length of the book. Personally I think that the author could add a lot more detail/parts of the book because it kind of jumps from subject to subject. For example when the author is taking about the dad and how he cant keep a stable job. She doesn’t really tell any stories about the fathers past jobs.

I think this book would be good for people who like stories about how someone has drown throughout the book. Or someone who likes stories about the main character who ends the story with a bang.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com

Kevin was part of Nick's gang, or at least he thought he was. Nick was a bully and threw his weight around their high school tormenting everyone. Despite complaints, the school administration didn't do a thing.

Acting tough was what helped Kevin survive both in school and at home. His dad went from job to job causing Kevin to attend school after school. He had to act tough at home to cover his frustration and anger at not having a decent pair of shoes or a hot meal. At his latest school he found that if he hung around with Nick and his friends and did Nick's bidding, he felt a part of something and not just some poor, helpless kid. But things were getting out of hand.

When Kevin started seeing Nick pick on Erin, he began to realize how dangerous it could be. It was one thing for Kevin to get knocked around, but seeing it happen to a girl was another matter. What would it cost him if he interfered?

RESPONSIBLE by Darlene Ryan is one of the high-interest, lower reading level books published by Orca Book Publishers. Set around the hot topic of bullying, Ryan tells an action-packed story that includes current teen issues from both home and the school environment. Reluctant readers or those looking for a quick read will find this book quite satisfactory.

[Deveyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book could get a five out of five because it sets the mood of the book and the people in the story. Another reason that this book could get a five is that the climax is amazing in this book. Also the way he worked up to the problem.
The best part of this story is the part when they are in the woods and they are about to rape and beat up the girl But they dont get to because the guy comes in and saves the gilr but takes on the beating that the girl was about to get. :(. They build up to this point really good they take there time but you know it is coming the whole time. There are some really good details that give you a great picture in your head :). This is just a really really good thriller.
The part of the book that makes the readers go OMG is when they are in the woods just because of what they do to the boy and girl. It makes you go no he is not going to do that yes he just did that OMG. That is really the best part of the book.
The ending was ok but it could of been alot better. Maybe he could of had someone get the kids back of what they did to him of something like that. He could of just been like going back to the same school and they could of tried to beat him up but the girl saves him this time.

[Evan Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Responsible is a book that tells of bullying and is very relevant to society today. It tells of a dominant male in a school that everyone is afraid of and refuses to stand up to. He picks on one young girl in particular that refuses to take any of his nonsense no matter what it costs her. She pays for this as she is kidnapped one day after school and beaten. However, one of the bully's followers that has always disliked him finally stands up for the girl. This results in him receiving a beating as well, but ultimately he saves the girls life. This book was not one I particularly enjoyed due to the fact that I felt it was suited towards younger readers but it does send a very good message. You should always stand up for what you believe and do what's right no matter what you fear may happen if you do.

[Cesar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an okay read because it wasn't really that interesting and at some parts it was boring. The book is about this kid named Kevin who is new at the high school for the fourth time because he's moved so many times. He makes new friends at the new school he entered but they ended up just hurting him and they just bullied him all the time. He then tires to seek revenge because he just got really tired of getting bullied all the time and he had a plot against Nick. A girl named Erin tries to help Kevin out and tells Nick to stop and so Nick got really angry and he starts to bully both of them. This book might of been better if it was longer with more detail.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the Orca books typically. They're to the point and when someone gets intimidated by thick books, they're a good place to start them off.

This one had a good point, even though it ended up feeling like a morality tale. It was good to go through, didn't slow down, and didn't fluff things up. It reminds me of Do the Right Thing, maybe bc they kept saying that phrase.

It served its purpose well.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

a quick short story on the lesson of doing the right thing - even if the consequences are brutal. sometimes its much harder to do what is right as opposed to what is easy. kids need to learn this lesson!

[Jacob Worley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very interesting book. I enjoyed reading this book. Many life lessons can be learned from this book such as don't get into the wrong group, and do what is right. The characters portray many different life styles. I have really enjoyed this book and would recommend this to anyone.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

theres this boy he is scared of this other boy named nick and nick is the bully in the school so he jumpes the boy with the black and blue eyes then wrote snitch on his locker

[Crystal pizarro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very good. some people can learn a lesson from this book.

[Arisbethe]

This book was awsome.

[A Book Vacation · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story about fitting in.

[Leyth Alarumi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I though this book was really good. I had this urge to keep reading it when i didnt want to!

[Sgilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great short book with a clear message

[McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book
Responsible

[D]

It was a very good book i really enjoyed it

[Arisbethe Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book i didnt like but i finih reading it.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An average Orca Soundings novel.

[Elizabeth]

The book “Responsible” is realistic fiction, by Darlene Ryan. The main characters are Nick and Erin. They are in a school setting with a thick forest behind. Not only is it late at night they are in the woods. Nick saw Erin getting harassed by other kids in the thick dense woods. Nick helps Erin get out of trouble but takes a good beating himself.

I think Nick is a great character over all except for the fact that he has his own ways. I got the impression that Nick either wanted it his way or the highway. Either you listen to him or you might get your ears exercised by his mouth. Erin is a sweet character but you have to watch her. She will be your friend for one minute then your enemy the next.

My overall opinion of the book is great. I would recommend this book to people ages 10 to 17 that are looking for a mysterious book to read for a short amount of time. The part I liked the most in the book is when Nick helps Erin from the kids in the woods. They take a good beating but end up ok. Erin eventually thanks Nick for saving her and her hair. But at first she want thankful at all.

[Riley]

Responsible was filled with many lessons. The lesson of having integrity was expressed when Kevin Fraiser’s Dad turned in a wallet that contained thousands of dollars, instead of using it for groceries or his car. Kevin was angry at his dad for not using the money for their benefit. Mr. Fraiser states “But I didn’t get the new brakes and tires for the car. I didn’t pay old man Barton rent. I went to the police station and turned in the money.” He was also disappointed when his father wouldn’t take money from Mr. Tennant, but his dad made a good point. He said, “You did what you did because it was the right thing. Not the easy thing. Not the safe thing. And not to get paid.” Not only did Mr. Fraiser teach his son integrity, but he learned a lesson too. Looking for praise and trying to get noticed for doing the right thing is frowned upon. When he’d first turned the money in, Mr. Fraiser was seen on tv, and rarely stayed in the house, he felt very highly of himself. But he learned to be humble, instead of looking for attention. The book itself was had an easy to follow plot, I found the situation very suspenseful. When it came down to the Nick’s plan to jump Erin Tennant in the woods, I was itching to know what would happen. Kevin’s character seemed to be moving in slow motion when it came to confronting Nick, that made me a bit anxious for how it would turn out. I honestly didn’t believe that Kevin was going to do something to stop them either, because his thought process before approaching them was so scattered and partially passive. But, in the end I was glad that he was able to come to Erin’s rescue, sort of. When they ended up transferring to the new school together I knew things would work out for them.