Red Kicks

by Jerjonji

Caley's new home is much different than the disciplined but comfortable life he was used to. As a rising martial arts champion whose adoptive father produces martial arts movies, Caley's danger comes in the form of formal competitions not the daily fear of gang violence. But the change also brings new opportunities. For the first time, Caley has a real friend, Quinn, and he is attending school instead of his usual on-set tutoring. As their friendship grows, Quinn guides Caley through the maze of gang wars and rivalries while trying to discover his own place in his world. Among the people that Caley befriends, six year old Nicky strikes a chord in Caley that he can't explain. He feels like he needs to protect the child from the brutality of his life. Nicky's sudden disappearance brings Caley full circle to confront his own forgotten past as Quinn learns the real meaning of loyalty and friendship. jerjonji's new novel exposes the realities of gang life without stereotyping characters. The characterization of gang leaders and street people as well as doctors and film producers are rich and vibrant. Praised as her best novel yet, Red Kicks is a well told tale that will appeal to both teens and adults alike. ~~~~~~~ To say this story is about the friendship between two 14 year old boys from different backgrounds would not be giving this book the credit and attention it deserves. Yet, this is exactly what Red Kicks, by jerjonji, is at its root. Quinn is a heritage member of a street gang called The Riverside Council. Caley is a champion martial artist and the new kid in school. Their journey begins early one morning, when Quinn decides to attack Caley in order to prove himself worthy of his gang. Instead of harming Caley, the two boys end up damaging the car of Mrs. Jones, a strict, but beloved, teacher at their high school. To make up for the damage done to her car and almost to each other, Mrs. Jones forces the boys to spend time in her classroom each day, studying for SAT's and reading classic literature. The world outside the classroom is one of violence, misplaced loyalties, dirty politics, and rigid practice schedules. The boys eventually move their friendship beyond the classroom and into their real lives, but not without each being changed by the other's world. Teresa Kirby ~~~~~~~ In a word - riveting. Red Kicks is a coming-of-age tale that is able to masterfully blend thrills and action with life lessons that could serve someone of any background. A highly recommended read! David Tolle

354 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2013

About the author

When I was three years old I lugged around a scruffy leather briefcase filled with pads of yellow lined paper and well-chewed pencils. They claim if you asked me what was in it, I'd say my book.

Panda Girl is not my first book. It is actually my 5th book, just the first one published. Book #2, Four Winds, is under contract currently as well.

Instead of an old briefcase, yellow legal pads, and chewed pencils, I have a keyboard with worn keys. But I am still write... that's what writers do! ;)

Oh the works I've not written yet... can't wait for you to read them and let me know what you think!

Reviews

[Noelene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was received as a giveaway from Goodreads.

This novel was engaging from the start. The main characters were developed well through out the book. The interweaving of complex social issues with the young teenager"s responses in such grave situations was handled brilliantly by the author. It was a heart wrenching read in many places.


However the novel needed to be edited more closely for punctuation errors and changes of font throughout. For an Australian audience the title was confusing as we have no understanding of what "kicks" are. I could not relate the title to the story unless you saw it only as a reference to martial arts which I am assuming it is not. Having said this, for Australian readers it will be an eye-opener into how gangs operate as the majority of us in rural Australia have no idea. This background setting to the story made it even more poignant.

[Angie Agerter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book all in all. Some things I had a hard time wrapping my head around and my eyes kind of glazed on.

But the story of a bond of a friendship and the power it has is a powerful and inspiring line of this book.

[Debbi Gehring · Rating 5 out of 5]

POWERFUL! Everybody no matter what age should read this book. If nothing else the lessons that you take away from this will help so much in time. Jerijongi hit a home run in the book!