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Tap Out

by Sean Rodman

Part of the Orca Soundings series

Subject
Social Themes - Violence
Age
9-12 years
Format
Trade Paperback
Pages
128
Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Size
12.5 cm × 17.3 cm
ISBN
9781459808751

It was supposed to be a brand-new start for him. But old instincts die hard, and Dar is used to fighting for everything.

When Darwin's father went to prison for assault, his mom decided it was time to move him from his inner-city school to the elite Norfolk Academy. Dar is convinced by a new friend to take part in an illegal fight club, He starts competing in no-holds-barred matches between students. He quickly rises to become the best in the ring. When one match goes too far and a student is almost killed, Dar faces a choice. Everyone tells him he's a fighter, but he needs to decide for himself—who is he, and what is he fighting for?

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!

About the author

Sean RodmanAuthor

Sean Rodman is the author of several books for young people. When not working on his own books, Sean is the executive director of the Story Studio, a charity that inspires, educates and empowers youth to be great storytellers. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

Data provided by BiblioShare.

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What reviewers said

"Rodman is smart in constructing the plot so that the authorities do not intervene and correct Darwin’s behaviour, but Darwin has to make a decision and change the direction of his own life...The subject matter would appeal to teenage boys who enjoy the action of fist-fighting and girls who would enjoy reading from the perspective of a misunderstood young man...Violence is the issue under discussion, and the story invites readers to compare the criminal behaviour of Darwin’s fighting with the manipulative behaviour of the classmate who organizes the fight club...Recommended."
"Rodman works the Orca Soundings criteria perfectly: well-developed characters and relationships, driving action, effective themes, in a brief, accessible format. Tap Out is a knock out!"
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© 2026 Peekabooks Inc. All Rights Reserved.