Revolutions of the Heart

At the beginning of this contemporary story, Cory Knutson's biggest problem is paying off a debt incurred by breaking a window. Matters quickly become more complicated when the Wisconsin teen finds herself attracted to a boy of a different race, and learns that her mother is dying from heart disease. Ironically enough, the same people who help Cory cope with Mrs. Knutson's illness and death turn harshly critical when Cory admits her affection for Native American ``Mac'' MacNamara. Grieving her recent loss and tormented by surrounding prejudice, Cory opts to continue her relationship even though it costs her her job, creates rifts with classmates and threatens to divide what is left of her family. Possessing the same down-to-earth qualities as the protagonist of Qualey's last novel, Everybody's Daughter, Cory seems wise beyond her years. Although this book, with its numerous political and moral issues, comes off a bit preachy, the author's believable dialogue, avoidance of pat solutions and ability to sustain narrative tension compensate for her didactic approach, and ultimately make this problem novel an engaging as well as an enlightening read. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)