Shark Bait (Laurel-Leaf Books)

Mokes has a huge problem: should he obey his father or stand by an old friend? When a Navy ship drops anchor off the coast of his Hawaiian village, Mokes's dad gives him a curfew. He doesn't want Mokes out in the village after dark when the rowdy sailors will be drinking, dancing, and looking for trouble. But Mokes's friend Booley is planning to get revenge on a sailor--how could Mokes miss that action? Complicating things further are two facts: Mokes's dad isn't just any father; he happens to be the police chief (!). And, even worse, Mokes has just realized that his friend may have stolen his father's favorite gun. Award-winning author Graham Salisbury will thrill readers with this suspenseful tale of a boy struggling with issues of violence, friendship, honor, and trust. As always, Salisbury avoids predictable solutions and allows his characters to work out their problems in realistic ways. Reluctant readers, especially, will appreciate this fast-paced adventure.