From School Library Journal Grade 6–10—Jay, 14, is tired of everyone comparing him to his father, who deserted the family. He wants to distance himself from everything he associates with his dad, including karate, which he used to love. But when he runs into a girl who makes his heart jump, he finds himself in the middle of a lie: he tells her that he is also a green belt about ready to test for his next rank. Tinga invites him to take part in her test, and he has to swallow his pride and ask his father, a movie stunt man and karate instructor, to train him. Worse, he discovers that Tinga is actually the girlfriend of an old pal, and that he is on the road to stealing her away and breaking up their relationship—something his father would be inclined to do. The concerns of a teen wanting to express himself as an individual are universal. Using language authentic to the South of England setting and with an authentic narrator, the story is likely to appeal to reluctant readers, but the Briticisms might be difficult for that audience. The martial-arts angle will draw an audience in areas where karate is popular.—
