Bruised

Bruised is contemporary, literary young adult fiction from an outstanding newcomer to the field. Imogen, a black belt in Tae Kwan Do, freezes up when she's a bystander in a hold up at the local diner, and blames herself for not acting before the gunman is shot and killed by the police. She always believed that her black belt made her better than everyone else; more responsible, more capable. Now that this belief has been challenged, she has to rebuild her life, including her relationship with her family and with the boy who was at the diner with her during the shootout. It's unique, emotionally affecting, and confidently written. Plus, it features a strong, unique protagonist who's passionate about martial arts, something many kids study and a topic not frequently covered in YA. With romance, action, and a complex protagonist, Bruised will appeal to teens and any readers looking for a great story.