Accident

Matt and his best friend Bobby attend a party at Chris's house. Everyone is drinking, and when Bobby invites Matt to drive to a ski house, Matt feels nauseous and refuses. Bobby, Chris, Jason and two girls take Chris's truck and drive several miles before they have a fatal accident. Four of the five teens are killed; only Jason survives. Chris, who has a reputation for drinking and dealing drugs, is immediately blamed. However, Matt is convinced there is unseen aspect of the accident, and he is determined to expose it. Strasser conveys significant messages without condescending to his readers. His depiction of the teens and the accident is realistic and unsensationalized. While at times the plot is contrived and therefore lacks potency, the story will trigger emotions in its readers. Ages 12-up. (Oct.)