In this fast-paced tale of life and death, Scrimger (Into the Ravine
) explores the consequences actions can have on both sides of the mortal veil. Fourteen-year-old Jim is the neighborhood bully, a tough guy who steals fruit and cars and has nothing but disdain for his victims. After being run down by a car, he's taken to the Jordan Arms, where ghosts pass the time. While his body is in a coma, Jim's given the chance to relive key moments of his past and see where things went wrong, with a series of ghosts as his guides, and the promise of a chance to atone when he returns to the land of the living. Scrimger packs a lot into this short, philosophical tale, which openly acknowledges its Dickensian inspiration. The story largely plays out as a slightly gritty modern version of A Christmas Carol
, though Scrimger dedicates the second half of the book to Jim's recovery from the accident and attempts at making reparations. If it doesn't break new ground thematically, readers should still find it an accessible story of redemption. Ages 11–up. (Apr.)
