A review by msethna
Tradition by Brendan Kiely

4.0

When you think about high school, what traditions pop into your mind? Are they school events or actions taken by those who attended? Brendan Kiely tackles the difficult topic of sexual assault at a high school boarding school and how these behaviors are perpetuated by the traditions allowed at the schools.

Tradition is told in a dual narrative: Jules, a strong opinionated senior who fights for the the rights she believes in, is sexually assaulted by her ex-boyfriend, who is the son of a rich private donor. When she shares what has happened the principal (head master) treats the matter as if she is the one in the wrong.

Jamie (Bax) is a new student who is trying to find a new start after an accident in his home town. He is at Fullbrook Academy on a scholarship and doesn't want to get into trouble or do anything to jeopardize his future. That is... until he meets and gets to know Jules.

Together the two of them fight the "traditions" that have developed over the years at Fullbrook.

In the time of #MeToo, I am grateful that a white male author is willing to speak up against sexual assault among high school teens. No means No. This is a story that needs to be read and shared. Make it required reading and have genuine conversations about the actions of these teenagers and why their behaviors are NOT okay.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and spread the importance of this book. I will be book talking this one to whoever will listen.