On the Hook by Francisco X. Stork is a gripping young adult novel about survival, courage, and the power of choice.
Hector, a chess-loving Mexican American teen from El Paso, struggles to navigate the dangers of bullying, poverty, and family pressures. When a violent confrontation leads to a shocking turn, Hector must face the consequences of his actions inside a juvenile detention center.
 
Balancing heart-pounding suspense with deep emotional insight, Stork delivers a moving story about resilience, identity, and the question of whether people can truly change. Perfect for fans of realistic YA fiction that doesn’t shy away from tough social issues like violence, justice, and redemption, On the Hook will leave readers thinking long after the final page.
 
⭐ Why You’ll Love It
A powerful YA novel tackling real-world issues of bullying, violence, and second chances.
Written by Francisco X. Stork, acclaimed author of Marcelo in the Real World and Disappeared.
Perfect mix of suspenseful storytelling and heartfelt reflection.
An engaging book club or classroom pick for sparking discussions about justice and redemption.
🎯 Perfect For
Teen readers who love realistic, hard-hitting fiction.
Educators and book clubs seeking diverse voices and important social themes.
Fans of authors like Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give) or Jason Reynolds (Long Way Down).
Readers interested in Mexican American perspectives in contemporary YA literature.
 
FOR EDUCATORS:
 
📚 Why Educators Will Love It
Sparks critical conversations on restorative justice, bullying, and resilience.
Features a diverse protagonist and authentic cultural representation of Mexican American life.
Aligns with social-emotional learning (SEL) frameworks.
Suitable for literature circles, independent reading, or full-class discussion.
Offers strong tie-ins to themes of identity, ethics, and responsibility.
🎯 Perfect For
Middle school & high school English/Language Arts classrooms.
Social Studies or Ethics units exploring justice and society.
Book clubs, literature circles, or one-book-one-school programs.
Educators looking to diversify their classroom library with authentic Latinx voices.
🗝️ Key Themes for Discussion & Curriculum Connections
Bullying and its impact
Violence and cycles of retaliation
Juvenile justice and second chances
Resilience, forgiveness, and redemption
Mexican American identity and cultural perspective