RITES OF PASSAGE

In this 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 one of the first girls to attend Denmark Military Academy, Sam knows that everyone expects her to fail. But she cannot. Not only is she military royalty with her family’s reputation to uphold, she was dared to enroll by the one person who she cannot say no to. And she has never failed to complete a dare.

While Sam knew it would not be easy, nothing prepared her for the brutal treatment from cadets who do not want her there. And, even more dangerous at a school where romantic relationships are strictly forbidden, are her complicated feelings for two boys who have appeared to have Sam’s back every step of the way.

As the threats and harassment grow darker, bleeding into every corner of Sam’s life, she discovers that there is a clandestine group that has made it their mission to keep the DMA a male–only institution. And the will stop at nothing to drive her out. Sam must decide who to trust... and choosing the wrong person could have deadly consequences.

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 has never done another push–up since. Joy lives in Buena Vista, VA.