Partners (in Crime)

In a school where bullies reign, Finn and his friends befriend Kenji, a karate expert from Japan, and take on the school’s troublemakers. With a mix of friendship, action, and humor, this book showcases the power of teamwork and standing up to bullies.

Finn Mullaney and his pals are at the same table first thing every school day enjoying a mug of hot chocolate. Next to their table are Alan Kelly and his pals. No one likes Kelly and his gang, not a surprise, they’re mean kids. Everyone with any sense tries to stay away from them. One day, a new kid in school innocently tries to take an open seat at the Kelly table. Kelly and his gang are on their feet threatening the boy. Finn quickly steps in and offers the boy a seat at his table. The new boy smiles and agrees. His name is Kenji Sato and family has just arrived from Japan. He’s happy to join Finn and his friends. Oh, and by the way, Kenji has a black belt in karate.

Finn and his pals quickly becomes good friends with Kenji and share a number of adventures. Alan Kelly and his gang of ne’er-do-wells aren’t impressed. It turns out that Kelly sells Hall passes, Restroom passes, and answers to all the tests. Finn and his pals begin to learn karate from Kenji. The Kelly gang isn’t impressed and they decide to take charge, which is a big mistake. Finn and his friends decide that the best thing for the everyone would be if Alan Kelly and his gang were expelled from school. Along the way, they take over the ‘business’ Kelly was holding over everyone’s head. Nice guys that they are, they become the ones you go to if you have a problem, whether it’s needing a hall pass, someone is picking on you, or you need help with a test…