Missing in Action

Dean Hughes has written several books about the World War II era that are very popular with the boys that visit the library at OMS. One copy of Soldier Boys has been worn out with so many readings.

Jay Thacker has many issues. His father had enlisted in the Navy during World War II, and now he is missing in action. Jay hopes for his return and fantasizes about his father being a war hero.

He is part Navajo which means he is “different” than others in the Mormon community of Delta, UT. There is prejudice that is quickly seen as his new friends nickname him “Chief.”  Jay quickly sees that most of the members of the community view Native Americans as dirty, lazy, drunks – the move didn’t let him escape that bigotry and intolerance of certain ethnic groups.

Jay’s grandfather is a respected member of the community. Jay works on his grandparents’ farm with a young man named Ken. Ken and his family are interned at Topaz, a Japanese relocation center. Jay finds that he too has some feelings of prejudice — about “Japs”.

Learn about Topaz

Read part of the book on Google Books

The Boxer and the Spy

Robert B. Parker, the author of this novel, wrote the Spenser series for adults.

The novel begins with Jason, a high school student, overhearing a conversation  between two adults that indicates they are involved in some type of crime. He is not sure what the crime is and he really doesn’t have a chance to figure it out as his body washes up on the beach the next day.

Another student, Terry, who is interested in becoming a boxer does not believe the story that Jason’s death is somehow tied to him using steroids. Terry enlists the help of a girl, Abby, to spy on the high school principal and Mrs. Trent. This leads to the two young characters being threatened and harassed. Terry’s character grows as a person as the book progresses.