Includes discussion guide and other activities.

3.5 stars. I picked this one up because my son read it for class, and I was pleased to see it was written by a wonderful teacher from my alma mater. This book raises some heavy issues for teenagers. I probably found it especially interesting because of my personal connection to the author and to some of the small details that come from my hometown. One of the topics addressed was drinking and driving. It was no surprize to me that Draper would tackle this important topic as a first novel, as she was advisor for S.A.D.D. at the time I was in high school. ( )

CW: Suicide

3.5 Stars ( )

5 students are on a basketball team and get into a car crash. One of the players dies due to a drinking and driving car crash caused by one of the players named Andy. Andy throughout the story, overwhelmed with guilt and shame and depression, commits suicide because he couldn't handle the situation and guilt. This book is great for figurative language and the writing styles change from the chapters, changing for when a different character from the book is talking. ( )

A moving, powerful story for any age, aimed at middle and high schoolers. The creative format makes for a fast read, what kids want, while addressing drunk driving, loss, race and American culture, family, depression and more. ( )