Him Standing is the 2012 Rapid Reads title from the Rapid Reads Series. Rapid Reads are short novels and non-fiction books designed for reluctant or low-literacy teen and adult readers. This 144-page novel is ideal for the male high school student or adult literacy learner who has limited interest in reading. Richard Wagamese's fast-paced plot line and character development keeps the reader wanting to find out what happens next. Nineteen-year-old Lucas Smoke has left the reserve and moved to the big city to try his hand in the art world. Lucas lives in a dark and foreboding apartment, and his Ojibwe high-fashion model girlfriend Amy One Sky lives in a high-end condo filled with light that offers Lucas a positive and welcoming space. Lucas has discovered he has been blessed with his grandfather's gift for carving. So everyday Lucas spends time on the busy streets carving portraits of tourists and passersby. It is little time until Lucas is making money from his unique art pieces. One day Lucas is approached by the menacing and mysterious character Gareth Knight. He has an offer Lucas cannot refuse - Lucas must carve a spirit mask of the master and he must be inspired by his dreams for the facial details. At first Lucas is reluctant but the monetary offer is just too enticing. Lucas and Amy enter a world of dark and troubling images from the spirit world as Lucas works on the carving. A chance meeting with Elder Sally Whitebird leads the pair to understanding and ultimate suppression of the dark force. A mix of supernatural thriller and fast-paced plot told in Lucas' strong narrative voice makes this a highly recommended young adult novel for the reluctant reader. Wagamese develops each character and does not depend on stereotypical profiles of the female characters. A must-have for school and public libraries. Reading Level: 2.8; Lexile Measure: 460. Orca has developed a Reader's Guide available at http://digital.orcabook.com/teachersguides-himstanding/1