In Monique Polak’s Home Invasion (Orca Book Publishers), Josh doesn’t believe his mother and eccentric artist stepfather constitute much of a family. He pursues an unusual hobby: he sneaks into people’s homes and observes how they live. Unexpectedly this peculiar and inappropriate “pastime” helps him nab the home invader who’s been breaking into the homes of local residents, menacing the people and stealing from them. The author’s two ways of addressing the issue of home invasion are clever and insightful.

This Young Adult novel is part of the Orca Soundings series which is aimed at teen reluctant readers. mRb