Point Blank

Point Blank follows the story of Ray Cooper, a teenager who moves with his father to a small California town after his mother's death. His father takes a job as a high school shooting instructor, teaching students proper firearm safety and marksmanship. Ray joins the school's rifle team and discovers he has natural talent as a marksman. The competitive shooting environment introduces him to new friends and rivalries, while he also navigates typical high school social dynamics and his changed family situation. When a series of local shootings occurs, Ray finds himself caught in circumstances that force him to examine gun culture, responsibility, and the line between right and wrong. His skills with firearms become central to unraveling mounting tensions in the community. The novel explores complex themes around gun ownership, safety, and ethics without taking clear political stances. Through Ray's experiences, the story raises questions about how weapons intersect with coming-of-age, family relationships, and moral choices.

Readers consistently describe Point Blank as a fast-paced, quick read that appeals to reluctant teen readers, particularly boys. The book's length (around 130 pages) makes it accessible for students reading below grade level. Readers appreciated: - Short chapters that maintain momentum - Focus on action over complex character development - Historical accuracy about guns and warfare - Appeal to students who struggle with longer books Common criticisms: - Plot considered predictable by some readers - Limited character depth - Violence may be too intense for younger readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (280 reviews) Amazon: 4.3/5 (32 reviews) Multiple teachers and librarians noted success using the book with reluctant readers. One educator wrote: "My struggling 8th grade boys finished this in two days - that never happens." Several parents expressed concern about gun violence content, recommending the book for ages 13+.

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🔹 Author Don L. Wulffson has written over 40 books for young readers, specializing in historical fiction and non-fiction that brings history to life for children 🔹 Point Blank explores the complex moral dilemma of whether it's right to kill one person to save many others, through the lens of a teenage sharpshooter's experience 🔹 The book's protagonist, Steven, faces a situation similar to real military snipers who must deal with the psychological impact of taking lives from a distance 🔹 In reality, military snipers undergo extensive psychological screening and training to handle the unique mental challenges of their role, as the average person is naturally resistant to killing 🔹 The book's themes connect to historical events like World War II, where teenage soldiers as young as 14 or 15 sometimes found themselves forced to make life-or-death decisions