• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Laurel, caught up in the thrill of an investigation, is willing to risk her reputation to get the story, but her ultimate discovery changes everything.

Laurel discovers her passion for investigative journalism when she writes an article for her school paper about a person experiencing homelessness who's been living at the school. Eager to write more articles with impact, she launches an investigation of a cheating scam at her high school. Laurel's efforts cause her classmates to turn against her. Nobody is interested in seeing her article go to print, not even her own brother.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Kristin Butcher's profile page

Kristin Butcher is the author of several books for young readers, including The Trouble with Liberty and The Hemingway Tradition in the Orca Soundings collection. Kristin lives in Campbell River, British Columbia.

"Butcher offers an insightful look into the ethics and morals of high school students...The short book really lends itself to a good discussion."

Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) Top Forty

"Well suited to its intended audience…With its succinct text, short chapters, and emphasis on contemporary teen issues, Cheat should be popular with reluctant young adult readers….Recommended."

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

"A realistic portrayal of high school students' attitudes towards cheating…This is a well written narrative that will challenge readers to make a decision about what's right and what's wrong. Recommended."

School Library Connection (SLC)

"It was easy to get caught up in this book—enough suspense to keep the story moving briskly along. A good hi-low read for teens."

Puget Sound Council for Review of Children's Media

"Butcher's portrayal of high school cheating is believable, with actual consequences...The pacing will keep reluctant readers hooked until the very end."

School Library Journal (SLJ)

"Short, quick chapters are propelled by frenetic action…True to life, this book does not offer a tidy, Pollyanna-ish conclusion; Laurel comes to learn from this experience a difficult lesson at a great expense. A speedy read."

Kirkus Reviews

La Triche

In this translation of Cheat in the Orca Currents series, Laurel is a 15-year old journalist for the school newspaper. Determined to avoid superficial writing, she writes a ground-breaking article about a homeless man who lives in the school at night. The article is praised by the school community and the local newspaper editor who publishes Laurel’s story and promises to print her next article. Laurel decides to write about cheating. When she discovers that someone is selling answers to the Grade 12 math and biology tests, she is determined to unmask this criminal. Ignoring threats, following anonymous tips, interviewing students and tailing suspects, Laurel is a most intrepid journalist. Laurel is shocked when she discovers the identity of the culprit and must choose between her journalism and her loyalty to her family and friends.

Caution: Includes occasional coarse language.