(Spoiler Alert)
Crutcher, C. (2013). Period 8. NY: Harper Collins.
Recommended age: 14+
Summary: Paul Baum is a long distance swimmer. He is honest to a fault. He admits to his girlfriend that he cheated. There is much more to the story, but she doesn't want to hear it. Paulie struggles with his actions, because his dad is a perpetual cheat. He knows that he is nothing like his father. He is full of guilt about the whole situation. Mr. Logsdon is his teacher for Period 8, his mentor, and his swim practice partner. Period 8 any conversation goes, but what is discussed in Period 8 stays in there. However, everything is not how is seems. An upstanding student named Mary goes missing. Mary is the one that forced herself on to Paulie. Then the student body president begins to act even more unusual. In the end, it is uncovered that the student body president, Arnie, some people in high places in town, and even a local police officer were running a sex ring using vulnerable high school girls. With the help of Mr. Logsdon, Paulie is able to save his girlfriend and take down the sex ring.
Response: Due to the topic and the language of this book, it could easily be challenged if used in the classroom. It is very well written. I was drawn in to the mystery and the action. Usually, I can figure out where the author is taking the story. This book was not the case. I couldn't figure out all the twists in the plot until Crutcher unraveled them for me. This book takes on the idea of telling the truth and the theory that hormones/biology trump good intentions. It shows that there are really good people out there who can get into some bad situations. Also, Mr. Logsdon is an example of an archetype.
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