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Everyone was drinking at the party. When Bobby invites Matt to go with a group up to his ski house, Matt refuses. A fatal accident ensues and Chris, who has a reputation for drinking and dealing drugs, is immediately blamed. However, Matt is convinced there is unseen aspect of the accident, and he is determined to expose it. But when he does, he’ll find himself in a political cover-up of staggering proportions. |
1. Realistic Fiction for YA
Reviews
BooklistGrades 7 – 10 – Although jocks don’t usually mix with “burnouts,” Matt Thompson and Chris Walsh, who spends most of his time hung over or in trouble, are still friends of a sort. So when Chris invites Matt over for a beer blast, Matt and a couple of his swim-team buddies – including popular Bobby Stewart, nephew of a candidate for state governor – actually show up. A tragedy ensues. Bobby, Chris, and two other passengers in Chris’ car are killed in a drunk driving accident following the party. The official version is accepted by most of the town: loser Chris was responsible. But Matt has doubts… Strasser weaves together a stern indictment of drunk driving, and serious commentaries on race prejudice in local government and big money influence on the larger political scene. Strasser portrays a tough moral dilemma… A grade 5 reading level makes this suitable also as high/low material.
Awards
- American Bookseller: Pick of the Lists.
- Mystery Writers of America: Edgar Allan Poe (nominee).
- New York Public Library: Books for the Teen Age.