Run the Risk

Gr 9 Up—Grace is in love with Mateo—deeply, agonizingly in love. But when Mateo chooses gang life over his relationship with her, Grace knows she has to let him go. She's moved on and is struggling to keep her brother out of gang life, all while working a full-time job, volunteering at the local day care center, and taking online courses. Then Mateo is hired as the new security guard at the theater where Grace works. Seeing him brings back a rush of pain, resentment, and more than a little bit of love. Mateo claims he's done with gangs for good, but can he be trusted? Van Diepen's story about two teens facing the complexities of love amid gang life and family problems is fast-paced, enticing, and sexy, but it does have some characterization and narrative flaws. While Grace and Mateo are interesting and compelling protagonists, several of the secondary characters feel flat and could have used more development. The parents are rarely mentioned and are seen only briefly, without much explanation as to why they don't play a larger role in the problems their children are confronting. Much of the central plot is revealed only near the end of the novel and feels rushed, leaving the conclusion just partially resolved. Despite its faults, this title will appeal to teens who enjoy an easy, realistic read with elements of romance and intrigue.