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Reading Level: Grade 2 - 3 • Interest Level: Grade 9 - 12

Caught in the Haze

Author: Sandi Van
Specs: 5 1/2” x 8 1/4” • 200pp • Suggestions for Further Reading • Written in Verse • About the Author Section • Hi/Lo Content
HC ed.: 978-1-9785-9597-2 • $25.80 | $19.40
eBook: 978-1-9785-9599-6 • $25.80 | $19.40
Paperback: 978-1-9785-9598-9 • $16.35 | $14.20
Tae has moved twice in his life. First, from South Korea to the United States when he was adopted as a baby, and then to a new town before he started high school. In Tae’s new school, he’s one of the youngest players, and the only person of color, trying out for the varsity soccer team—a team known for its violent hazing practices. Tae wants more than anything to be part of the team, but worries about fitting in. Then, he sees a familiar face. Luke is a soccer star on his way to scoring a role as the team captain and a full ride to college, but no one knows his secret—that he was adopted too. Tae and Luke met in an adoption group years before, and Luke’s first instinct is to help Tae fit in. But tradition is tradition, and Luke might not be able to save Tae from being hurt in the hazing rituals without risking his own reputation.
“The terse, snappy narration from Tae’s point of view is accessible and immersive…A fast-paced sports novel for reluctant readers.” —Kirkus

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About the Author:
Sandi Van is a writer, counselor, and former soccer coach from Buffalo, New York. She is the author of YA verse novels Everything It Takes, Listen Up, and Second in Command. Mom to two boys, both adopted from South Korea, Sandi hates the term soccer mom but embraces her role as one and loves cheering from the sidelines. You can follow her on social media @sandivanwrites or visit her website at sandivan.com.