Sleep Rough Tonight
Ian Bone

Smart-mouthed Alex is bullied by the seniors in his school, but when the Jockey comes back, Alex finds himself in more danger than ever. He doesn't know if the Jockey knows that Alex and his father are responsible for his spending a year in juvenile detention, but the Jockey has suddenly taken interest in Alex's life. He convinces Alex that if he "sleeps rough" by spending the night alone in the city, he will toughen up. Alex agrees to be taken under the Jockey's wing, unaware that the Jockey not only has revenge on his mind, but recruitment as well. As much as Alex wants to toughen up, his Christian, good girl friend Marta helps him find the strength to do the right thing. This is the second book by Ian Bone that I've reviewed, and I enjoyed this one more than the last. He is popular in Australia, and this one is pretty interesting and may appeal to boys. Still, I'm not sure I was convinced that Alex would be so na�ve, or that one night in the city would "make a man" out of anyone. Optional Purchase.