In this fast-paced, high-stakes debut novel, sixteen-year-old Sam McKenna discovers that becoming one of the first girls to attend a revered military academy means living with a target on her back. As Sam struggles to prove herself, she learns that a decades-old secret society is alive and active... and determined to force her out. Fans of Simone Elkeles and Trish Doller will love Rites of Passage's perfect blend of sizzling romance and edge-of-your-seat suspense.
"Starred Review. The absorbing story of the first girl to join a fictional military high school... Absolutely compelling. Ages 14-18." - Kirkus
"Sam is easy to root for as a heroine, and it's a strong first showing for Hensley." - Publishers Weekly
This information about Rites of Passage was first featured
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Joy N. Hensley is a middle school writing teacher. She spends her twenty-minute lunch breaks hosting author Skype chats for her students. Once upon a time she went to a military school on a dare. She lives in Virginia with her husband and two children, finding as many ways as she can to never do another push-up again. Rites of Passage is her debut novel.

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