Payback

Payback
By James Heneghan
Published: 2007
ISBN: 978-0888997012

Fiction

Thirteen-year-old Charley Callaghan is coping with some difficult changes. His family has recently moved to Vancouver from Ireland, and his mother has died of cancer. Now he is desperately trying to fit in; in a new school, a new city, a new country. All the while holding a part-time job and keeping an eye on his little sister, Annie. Charley's red hair and Irish accent at first make him a target of the class bullies, but he is relieved when the bullies find a new target, Benny Mason. Benny is feminine and may be gay, but Charley keeps hoping that Benny will defend himself. Charley fails to intervene when the bullying worsens. When Benny commits suicide, Charley is overcome with remorse and guilt. He visits Benny's single mom, Joanna, but instead of confessing, finds himself trying to make amends by doing chores, running errands and befriending Benny's little brother. Charley’s story is familiar with many kids, watching and doing nothing is almost as bad as the bullying. Charley is trying to “payback” Benny’s mother and lessen his guilt. This is a touching story, with relatable characters, which readers can connect with.