Ripped from the headlines, students will appear at high school with guns. Fair Warning, NO STUDENTS OR TEACHERS DIE, but students do bring guns to school and there is shooting in the school office.
After bullying and harassing Drew and friends at school, several students were expelled. As their lives are crashing around them, those students want to blame someone other than themselves. They gather guns and head to school to get even with Drew and his friends for accusing them and helping the police.
This story is a realistic portrayal of students who have access to guns using said guns in an effort to attack or hurt people they want to blame.
Drew and his best friend Lacy will assist in the evacuation of students and teachers. Later, Drew will negotiate to trade himself in order to save a shooting victim. Of course, the shooters have no idea about Drew’s martial arts skills.
In the second part of this story, Drew is asked to help authorities protect a high profile daughter of an elected official.
Drew is finding out who he is in the world and helping others is high on the list.
Along the way, Drew and Lacy decide to investigate a more personal relationship and go out on a few dates.
In this book, Drew uses his skills to resolve several cases of assault involving guns.
Near the end of the book, we will see how government authorities can sometimes bully innocent people in a thirst for their own definition of justice.
Bullies look for weakness or something that sets someone apart from others. Anything unusual can draw the attention of a bully. High school is an environment ripe with opportunity for bullies. As children grow up body changes lead to physical changes and hygiene requirements. Big kids and little kids, athletes and nerds, heritage or specialized interests which may be unusual can all result in a student being isolated or identified as a victim of opportunity for a bully.
Drew Leighton, a high school sophomore, was born male and experienced a case of gynecomastia which resulted in real breasts that do not seem to be going away. He is under a doctor’s care now and is attending school as a female student with a doctor’s note explaining that he is transgendered in his pocket. No one at the school is aware of Drew’s true gender except for his friend Lacy. Drew is trying to understand his body and his sexuality in different ways than all the other high school students around him.
Together, Drew and Lacy have encountered and helped resolve a number of cases of bullying.
While this book can be read as a standalone, it is the fifth book in the Drew Leighton series.
Thank you for reading
Daring Diane
Disclaimer
This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Reviews (28)
This was an awesome book, just what I wanted in the next Drew/Lacy book
I had really hoped to see Drew in a situation where the authorities asked Anna/Bart for help and they suggested Drew. But this was so much better than I imagined. Also, the early part of the book with the expansion of the martial arts part of Drew's life where really well done. All in all, the imagination of the author really shines and many details work out really well. I loved the plot, and of course the characters are great. I just worry that Lacy's parents will freak if they ever find out the truth about some of these situations. It looked like Drew's Mom almost talked to Lacy's Mom about Drew, but didn't quite make it there. I sat down and read this book in one sitting, as usual with Daring Diane's books. This book is better edited that some of the previous books. I think the next book could include some homophobes with Drew and Lacy's apparent lesbian relationship, and Kelly and some others could have an interesting reaction to it. Also, there could be churches for/against. I love the idea that those FBI agents and the Secret Service could be back. I love the formal language Drew uses to describe some situations, "a sexual interaction was suggested and rejected" is such a euphimism for rape. I just finished the book and am now going to re-read it - twice in one day!
I loved this book!
I loved this book. In many ways, the character of Drew Leighton is more complex than some of the other character creations of the author Daring Diane. Like her cheerleader character, Lee Corcoran, Drew tends to downplay his skills; but he does so as a strategy designed to not call attention to himself. As the series progresses, more and more people start learning more and more about Drew--although his secrets (mostly) remain hidden from most of the people he knows. In Book 5: Bullies & Guns, this plot tension becomes almost a pivot point, capable of changing the trajectory of the series story arc. I found the final portion of the book, where a government agency starts looking into Drew a fascinating exploration of the possibilities of how unwarranted governmental curiosity into a minor child's background could become something sinister.
Spectacular!
The Drew Leighton series has started to eclipse the Lee Corcoran series. Book 4, and now book 5, are incredible. This is the best of the Drew series. A few typos and one continuity error occur. The continuity has "Tanya's mother" for "Lacy's mother". The typos include 'thi9ngs' for 'things', 'his law' for 'his jaw', 'were soulmates' for 'are soulmates', 'as well as well as' for ;as well as', and a couple of other minor things. The action is intense, with Drew showing his chops both with fighters and crazed students and others (so as not to spoil anything). I wish the book was longer (600 pages?) but it is amazing. What a wonderful read.
A great addition to the Drew Leighton Series - with one caveat.
Daring Diane--I've loved your Drew Leighton series. The characters are believable, and the situations and challenges for Drew have been moving and feel real. I thoroughly enjoyed 75% of this book, all the way up to the second big action sequence. I don't want to give away the plot to those who haven't yet enjoyed this book, but I frankly found the setup and rationale for the second action sequence less believable than the first action sequence. Up to that point my belief has always been suspended and I've loved every page of each book of the Drew Leighton series. I've even bought all of them instead of renting them via Kindle Unlimited, because they have many universal messages about bullying and children which bear repeating. The final part about abuse of police powers is excellent, but I wish it had been the coda to the first action sequence and not the second.
A lean, keen story machine
One can always expect a good tale from Diane and Bullies is a prime example. Drew Leighton is putting his martial arts talents to use again to save the day. What I really like is Diane is doing a better job of fleshing out her other characters and getting them more involved in the story. Bart is a good mentor and strong character while Lacy blossoms and Anna becomes a good friend. This trend has gotten stronger in all her books and they are even better for it.
The Story Continues!
It was fun to discover that part 5 had been released just as I'd finished re-reading the first four parts of the Drew series. Without a doubt, two of my favorite series on the Kindle are the Drew Leighton stories and the Lee Corcoran stories. Both from Daring Diane. I hope she continues to switch back and forth between them so I'm ready for Cheerleader 11 now.
Another one bites the dust
After DD's last book in the Lee C series I was a bit afraid that this latest release in the Drew books would follow in the same path. As you might have guessed I did not really like the last Lee book. This Drew book is great and is a step in the right direction!
Special girl protector
As Drew and Lacy become high schoolers they become to know each other better. This grows as Drew rises up to help when necessary. And they they become a team and a couple. And they he dresses up as does she for a date and a concert. Read the story and find out.
Great stories with positive characters
Favorite author. I have purchased all of her books and I have bought them for young adults who needed positive feed back. His sister now has them and they have bonded over them.
TITLE OF BOOK SAYS IT ALL
THE GROWTH OF A YOUNG PERSON AS SEEN THRU 5 BOOKS . THIIS ONE PUTS HIM ON THE SPOT. HE PREFERS TO RUN UNDER THE RADAR BUT LIFE DOESN'T ALWAYS LET YOU. VEE GEE
This was an awesome book, just what I wanted in the next Drew/Lacy book
I had really hoped to see Drew in a situation where the authorities asked Anna/Bart for help and they suggested Drew. But this was so much better than I imagined. Also, the early part of the book with the expansion of the martial arts part of Drew's life where really well done. All in all, the imagination of the author really shines and many details work out really well. I loved the plot, and of course the characters are great. I just worry that Lacy's parents will freak if they ever find out the truth about some of these situations. It looked like Drew's Mom almost talked to Lacy's Mom about Drew, but didn't quite make it there. I sat down and read this book in one sitting, as usual with Daring Diane's books. This book is better edited that some of the previous books. I think the next book could include some homophobes with Drew and Lacy's apparent lesbian relationship, and Kelly and some others could have an interesting reaction to it. Also, there could be churches for/against. I love the idea that those FBI agents and the Secret Service could be back. I love the formal language Drew uses to describe some situations, "a sexual interaction was suggested and rejected" is such a euphimism for rape. I just finished the book and am now going to re-read it - twice in one day!
I loved this book!
I loved this book. In many ways, the character of Drew Leighton is more complex than some of the other character creations of the author Daring Diane. Like her cheerleader character, Lee Corcoran, Drew tends to downplay his skills; but he does so as a strategy designed to not call attention to himself. As the series progresses, more and more people start learning more and more about Drew--although his secrets (mostly) remain hidden from most of the people he knows. In Book 5: Bullies & Guns, this plot tension becomes almost a pivot point, capable of changing the trajectory of the series story arc. I found the final portion of the book, where a government agency starts looking into Drew a fascinating exploration of the possibilities of how unwarranted governmental curiosity into a minor child's background could become something sinister.
Spectacular!
The Drew Leighton series has started to eclipse the Lee Corcoran series. Book 4, and now book 5, are incredible. This is the best of the Drew series. A few typos and one continuity error occur. The continuity has "Tanya's mother" for "Lacy's mother". The typos include 'thi9ngs' for 'things', 'his law' for 'his jaw', 'were soulmates' for 'are soulmates', 'as well as well as' for ;as well as', and a couple of other minor things. The action is intense, with Drew showing his chops both with fighters and crazed students and others (so as not to spoil anything). I wish the book was longer (600 pages?) but it is amazing. What a wonderful read.
A great addition to the Drew Leighton Series - with one caveat.
Daring Diane--I've loved your Drew Leighton series. The characters are believable, and the situations and challenges for Drew have been moving and feel real. I thoroughly enjoyed 75% of this book, all the way up to the second big action sequence. I don't want to give away the plot to those who haven't yet enjoyed this book, but I frankly found the setup and rationale for the second action sequence less believable than the first action sequence. Up to that point my belief has always been suspended and I've loved every page of each book of the Drew Leighton series. I've even bought all of them instead of renting them via Kindle Unlimited, because they have many universal messages about bullying and children which bear repeating. The final part about abuse of police powers is excellent, but I wish it had been the coda to the first action sequence and not the second.
A lean, keen story machine
One can always expect a good tale from Diane and Bullies is a prime example. Drew Leighton is putting his martial arts talents to use again to save the day. What I really like is Diane is doing a better job of fleshing out her other characters and getting them more involved in the story. Bart is a good mentor and strong character while Lacy blossoms and Anna becomes a good friend. This trend has gotten stronger in all her books and they are even better for it.
The Story Continues!
It was fun to discover that part 5 had been released just as I'd finished re-reading the first four parts of the Drew series. Without a doubt, two of my favorite series on the Kindle are the Drew Leighton stories and the Lee Corcoran stories. Both from Daring Diane. I hope she continues to switch back and forth between them so I'm ready for Cheerleader 11 now.
Another one bites the dust
After DD's last book in the Lee C series I was a bit afraid that this latest release in the Drew books would follow in the same path. As you might have guessed I did not really like the last Lee book. This Drew book is great and is a step in the right direction!
Special girl protector
As Drew and Lacy become high schoolers they become to know each other better. This grows as Drew rises up to help when necessary. And they they become a team and a couple. And they he dresses up as does she for a date and a concert. Read the story and find out.
Great stories with positive characters
Favorite author. I have purchased all of her books and I have bought them for young adults who needed positive feed back. His sister now has them and they have bonded over them.
TITLE OF BOOK SAYS IT ALL
THE GROWTH OF A YOUNG PERSON AS SEEN THRU 5 BOOKS . THIIS ONE PUTS HIM ON THE SPOT. HE PREFERS TO RUN UNDER THE RADAR BUT LIFE DOESN'T ALWAYS LET YOU. VEE GEE
Once again a great read
Thank you DR for all you hard work. I wish you could write faster. Maybe while you sheltering in place you will have time to write more. Stay safe.
Another great book in the series
Another good book following Drew, keep writing them they are great.
Great
Another great book well drew and Lacey be in another book
Great story
Please keep writing more about drew and lacy I have read all of the story so far and am looking forward for the next part of the story
Another great book in this series
I went back and read the first four books in this series and was able enjoyed them all over again. Then I found this fifth book and couldn't put it down. The characters are interesting and the story compiling and informative.
Great read.
Great continuation of the series. She does a great job of telling the story and keeping the reader's interest. Looking forward to next one in the series. Looking forward in seeing how the questions at the end of the book play out in the next one.
Gret book
Great book can't wait till the next one . Hopefully it won't in a year. If you haven't read the whole series yet you need too
Why was this recommended to me?
Why was this recommended for me? This is more a critique on Amazon than a review on the book, except indirectly it is a review on the book. Also, the title seems aggressively designed to piss me off. It is my firm opinion that the reason we have bullying and guns is that society has failed us. Our teachers are so worried about even touching a student, that the staff isn't actually allowed to stop bullies. And our solution is to make gun-free zones (which are seen as easy targets, because people with guns know others won't fight back) instead of properly defending students. So again, why was this recommended for me? I find the premise contrived, and designed to alarm people about hot-button issues. The only thing I have in common with it is that it looks like a Karate Kid premise, but this again is absurd. No amount of martial arts will help you if someone comes in with a gun.
