Reviewed by hoopsielv for TeensReadToo.com

Sure, many of us contemplated doing it as a kid... and some actually carried it out. But can you imagine stealing each and every day as a means of survival? In Brian James' novel THIEF, that is exactly how Elizabeth (also known as "Kid") lives her life, along with her foster sister, Alexi. Their foster mother, Sandra, has the system all worked out where the girls go out and bring home enough cash to support all of them.

Then a new thief comes along: more income, according to Sandra. Dune joins this foster family and becomes Kid's apprentice. Dune is unsure and unbelieving of this way of life, but Kid is reassuring during his "training" and tells him what Alexi once told her: "Good thieves never want for anything as long as they live." Yet there is a sense that Kid does want and actually needs more.

Alexi sees the strong bond that is growing between Kid and Dune and isn't pleased with it. She believes Kid belongs to her and they are destined to be together. Dune isn't part of that plan. She never misses an opportunity to make him feel inferior. At the same time, she's determined to make Kid feel guilty about her relationship with Dune in hopes that it will end.

Kid's worst fear is being alone, and she takes drastic steps to ensure that doesn't happen. She takes a risk, and with one bold step, everything changes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though Kid was a criminal, I couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards her. This is a well-written story that draws the reader into the feelings and actions of the characters. Teens of all ages would like this book. ( )

Will pass it on to the high school due to the profanity.
Decided not to finish it since there are so many other books. I didn't want to waste my time on a book I couldn't use with my middle school students.