The Hideaway

Tom, 15, takes the blame for an accident that smashes up his mother's car and cripples a newspaper reporter, even though his friend Buddy was really behind the wheel. He escapes from reform school, assuming that if he can just speak to Buddy, everything will be all right. Harv, a local fisherman, takes Tom in, and he pours out the whole story to the old man. Harv witnesses the longed-for meeting between Buddy and Tom; but Tom is shattered when Buddy shows his true colors and stonewalls him. Ultimately realizing that he can't run away all his life, Tom makes amends with the accident victim, who agrees to testify on his behalf at the hearing. Corcoran (I Am the Universe, etc.) vividly captures the panicky feelings of a runaway in trouble with the law. She makes some important points about drunk driving, hero worship and taking responsibility for one's actions. Ages 10-14. (September)