Best-selling teen novelist Don Trembath approaches a younger audience with this introductory title in the Black Belt series. School principal Mr. Duncan (Frog Face) enrols three chronic troublemakers in karate lessons, since it is obvious multiple detentions are having no effect. The culprits are as diverse as three boys can be – Charlie stops talking only long enough to eat, Jeffrey is so nervous he can barely participate in classroom activities, and Sidney is so defensive and angry he prefers to talk with his fists. But what initially appears to be a harsh punishment becomes an opportunity for each boy to gain personal insight and self-respect.

And although each boy faces real social challenges, Trembath’s use of humour lifts the novel’s tone, leaving readers with the impression that even tense situations can be overcome. His dialogue is realistic and its fast pace accurately reflects the language of contemporary school boys and their harried teachers and parents. Conversations reveal exactly what each boy needs to learn about himself and others. Sidney finds his bruised ego more painful than his karate wounds. Charlie is wonderfully obtuse, initially unaware of how his ceaseless babbling brings out Sidney’s demons. Jeffrey’s very lack of conversation depicts his need for social contact, and the first time he expresses himself is exhilarating. As the karate lessons progress, the boys discover their ability to change and grow in the process.

A successful blend of comic and emotional situations makes this sports-related title approachable for reluctant readers, but its well-developed plot and characters will entertain the confident ones.