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. ( )