Boot Camp - by Todd Strasser (Paperback)

About the Book

Fifteen-year-old Garrett is kidnapped and sent to a disciplinary boot camp, where he is subjected to physical and psychological abuse. Award-winning author Strasser offers a sobering glimpse at what really goes on behind closed doors.

Book Synopsis

From Todd Strasser, a "truly shocking" (Kliatt) account of the prison-style workings of teen boot camps.

Garrett is an average fifteen-year-old, except that he's in love with an older woman. Even though Garrett gets good grades and hasn't had any real discipline problems, his parents decide to ship him off to Harmony Lake, a boot camp for teenagers. He is "kidnapped" by camp employees and transported there, where after a painful attempt at rebellion he quickly figures out that the fastest way to graduate is by following all the rules.

But no matter what rules he follows, Garrett soon realizes that the people who run the boot camp won't rest until his spirit is well and truly broken. And so, with danger at every turn, he plans a daring escape--with chilling consequences.

Review Quotes

"Strasser creates characters who will provoke a strong reaction from readers....Teens...will certainly find themselves engrossed in this fast-paced and revealing story about the hidden side of teen incarceration."--School Library Journal

"Strasser offers no easy answers, and nimbly navigates a host of moral gray areas."--Publishers Weekly

"Teens, especially boys, will be riveted...the novel is a real eye-opener."--KLIATT

"The real-world issues will hit a nerve."--Booklist