Life Belts

A tragic incident involving the drowning of a small child sets the tone for this tender coming-of-age story, winner of the publisher's 10th annual prize for first YA fiction. The death of the little Devin girl occurs in the background of the novel, but it overshadows the final days of summer for three 13-year-olds from Long Island who are wrestling with their own, separate dilemmas and attempts to grow up. Eddie, born with a deformed hand, is present at the scene of the accident, but cannot find the courage to act. Anita, struggling to cope with her mother's terminal illness, is also shaken by the event. For Anita's best friend, Molly, a sheltered, self-conscious girl, the drowning triggers a loss of innocence. Powerful imagery emphasizes the destructive and rejuvenating forces in nature, while poignant characterizations effectively convey the vulnerability and strengths of three sensitive teens. A deft debut. Ages 12-up. (Nov.)