Break Away: Jessie On My Mind

In the first book in a trilogy, Hotte, making his English-language debut, offers a window into the mind of 15-year-old Alexandre McKenzie, who lives with his father and aunt in the remote woods of C%C3%B4te-Nord, Canada. Alexandre is wise yet conflicted, caring but reckless. His pertinent observations lead readers through his bleak, intriguing life. "One thing I've known since I was a kid is how it works around here: in less than twelve hours, everybody knows what you were up to the day before; who you were with, what you did, why." He loves hockey, nature, and riding his ATV, but is pressured by his coach and father to make hockey a career. When his vehicle breaks down, Alexandre visits the Pinchaults for help and falls in love with Jessie. But when her drunk father drives Alexandre home and gets in an accident, tensions rise between their families. Nevertheless, Alexandre is determined to win Jessie's heart, even as her brother St%C3%A9phane's disturbing actions lead Jessie to self-destructive behavior. Themes of indigence, mental illness, and nature conservation are richly conveyed in this atmospheric and delicately balanced story. Ages 12%E2%80%93up. (May)