Dear B.Springsteen

Letters to Bruce Springsteen form the narrative of Major's (Thirty-Six Exposures, etc.) fourth novel. Having no one else to confide in, Terry, 14, writes to ""The Boss,'' knowing he'll probably never receive a response. At the book's opening, Terry is sullen and withdrawn, too upset to mention his real reason for writinghis father leaving the familyuntil the fifth letter. Terry scrapes up the money for an electric guitar and amplifier, and gradually comes out of his shell. During summer vacation, Terry joins his father, hoping that they can establish a closeness. After his return, Terry works on an idea to put on a benefit concert. By the night of the concert, Terry is ``riding high'' and infused with newfound self-confidence. He even initiates a relationship with Joanne, whom he had heretofore only admired from afar. Majors understands well the inner workings of teenagers and expresses, in an authentic voice, the turmoil and sorting-out processes that go along with growing up. In this eloquent, penetrating book, even the letters' closing compliments point to Terry's growthfrom an early letter's sarcastic ``Dream on, right?'' to a later one's cocky ``And I'm smiling too, now.'' Ages 12-up. (February)