Self. Destructed.

The harsh consequences of a teenager’s dangerous, impulsive actions form the core of this timely entry in the Gravel Road series, written at a third-grade reading level. Michael can hardly believe he’s dating the hot new girl at school, and he quickly becomes obsessed with her. After Ashley rejects him, Michael decides that bringing his father’s gun to school will help him make a statement. Authorities diffuse the situation, but the crime lands Michael in a juvenile detention center for a year, and a continuation school “for misfits” after that. Readers are privy to Michael’s stressful family situation as well as his confused emotional state and troubled thoughts as the brief chapters and months whiz by. Ages 12–up. (Aug.)