Variety of choices will appeal to boys

OK, guys. Here's one for you. (Just try to overlook the fact that girls also will devour this book.)

"When I Was Joe" by Keren David is a well-written, riveting, totally believable young adult novel that rockets along with nonstop action. Readers will be rooting for the likable protagonist, while learning a thing or two about the witness protection program.

Ty witnesses a knife murder. His grandmother encourages him to tell the police what he saw. The police insist that Ty and his mother disguise their identities and move to another town. As they're packing, the criminals throw a bomb into their apartment building that nearly kills them both.

In his new life, Ty becomes Joe. Along with his new identity come new opportunities and new challenges. He starts training as a runner, coached by a college student who's a Paralympic contender.

He begins a relationship with his coach's sister, and discovers she is seriously cutting herself. Just when Joe could begin to believe his new identity might work out, his beloved grandmother is badly injured in an attack that is meant to flush Joe out of hiding.

And yes, there's a sequel. In "Almost True" by Keren David, Ty and his mother are relocated to a quiet, seaside town. Early one morning when Ty is out running, the killers shoot a man they think is Ty. Once again, the police move Ty.

This move opens a whole new world that brings Ty closer to a real identity he never knew he had.

Secrets, suspense, dangerous decisions, courageous decisions and the unrelenting determination of the gangsters keep the pages flipping.

Readers won't want the book to end, but they'll read as fast as possible to find out what happens. As the "Sunday Telegraph" said, "So good that you never actually notice just how good because you are far too busy turning the pages."

For readers who want more, more, more, I recommend "The Year We Disappeared: A Father-Daughter Memoir" by Cylin Busby and John Busby. This is nonfiction, written by a police officer dad and his daughter who alternate chapters.

While on duty, the dad is shot and left for dead. The dad recovers and can identify the man who shot him. The whole family is relocated under the witness protection program. In its tension and veracity, this true story is as riveting as any fiction.

One of many librarian laments is that guys who dislike fantasy and vampires don't have a vast array of choices. These books help to fill that gap.

Reach Fran Hawk at franbooks@yahoo.com.