Under the Bridge

In his sixth novel, Harmon revisits the Spokane setting and themes of his debut, Skate, in a jittery and unpredictable story of skateboarding, drug abuse, broken families, and simmering teenage rage. It doesn’t take much to provoke 16-year-old Tate’s anger; he’s much like his father in that way. Tate and his younger brother, Indy, take refuge from high school and the “war zone” that is their home at Under the Bridge, a city-funded skate park where skateboarders of all ages and abilities coexist uneasily with helicopter parents, drug dealers, and the homeless. Although Indy is a talented student and skater, he’s turning his back on both, cutting class to hang out with a violent new drug dealer in town. Tate’s fury, frustration, and helplessness are visceral as he casts about for ways to help Indy, the very real possibility of death hanging over both brothers. Harmon offers a down-to-earth portrait of teenagers and adults alike working hard to exert control over their lives, a daily grind that is messy, complicated, and never easy. Ages 14–up. Agent: George Nicholson, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Nov.)