Collateral Damage (Support and Defend) - Softcover

"Tyshawn is in the groove on the basketball court. He can hardly do anything wrong, but that is about to change as his life is turned upside down by his father's return from Afghanistan. Having sustained a severe head trauma, his father faces a long recovery that requires Ty's assistance and patience (which is in short supply). To complicate the situation, Ty's mother cannot cope, and leaves. Ty's academics and basketball suffer, and his girlfriend breaks up with him. Ty is at loose ends until he hears about Teen ACHIEVE--a place where he meets other teens facing similar situations. From these meetings and new friends, Ty learns ways to help his dad while also helping himself. As his dad improves, Ty realizes that his own outlook on life has matured. This entry in the Support and Defend series will draw military and nonmilitary teens alike. The high/low story is full of action and raw emotion that will engage reluctant readers."--Booklist Online

"This series broaches the complex subject of teens with parents and guardians in the armed forces. Rising basketball star Tyshawn is excited to have his sergeant father home in Collateral Damage, but he was not prepared for his father's severe injury. Suddenly he has a host of new responsibilities in addition to his busy life as a teenager. Paige also has to adjust to her parent's trauma in Freedom Flight, when she quickly realized her mom has returned from service addicted to pain medication. In Combat Zone, Justin is determined to be a Navy SEAL like his father, until his role model betrays him with a secret. His aggression spins out of control, eventually threatening his lifelong dream. Always Faithful's Rosie also finds her life and anger spinning out of control when her former Marine Corps father announces he is reenlisting. These short novels clock in under 120 pages, but higher-level language and mature concepts make them a good fit for late middle grade and high school readers."--School Library Journal