Awards

• Short-listed for South Carolina Childrens, Junior and Young Adult Book Award (Young Adult) 2006

Overview

Shadow's life changed forever when his brother Daniel ran away. What will happen now that Daniel is home again? For fifteen-year-old Shadow Thompson, life ended seven years ago--the night his older brother Daniel ran away from home. That's when Shadow stopped depending on other people and turned inward, relying only on himself. But now Daniel is back and he stands accused of murder. Shadow's anger at his brother, his parents' struggle to cope with the sudden return of their son, and Daniel's own feelings of guilt create an emotional undertow that threatens to consume the family. But as Shadow begins to open up to new friends, he slowly learns to trust and finally, to forgive. Now the Thompsons may get a second chance at being a family. Award-winning author S. L. Rottman once again crafts a powerful story that depicts the complexity of human relationships within the framework of a troubled adolescent's struggle to make sense of the people and the world around him.

Full Product Details

9781561452910

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Reviews

.. .through it all, Skye remains a sympathetic, multidimensional character whose emotional growth is compelling and believable

.. .thoughtful and forgiving of the large and small weaknesses of parents and children. Rottman has a history of creating male characters that are dead-on, and Shadow is no exception. His struggle to be recognized as a unique person is something every teenager goes through, and the added stress of his brother's return exacerbates the situation. The unusual plot gives the book its strength and appeal, and the realistic ending adds to its credibility and message. Rottman... creates a three-dimensional, introspective protagonist facing difficult circumstances and choices. Shadow's dilemmas and changing perspective are realistically portrayed, as are his vacillating feelings, from resentment to confusion. Particularly notable is Rottman's insightful depiction of family dynamics, which demonstrates the range of responses to crisis. The conclusion, though open-ended, seems hopeful, providing a stepping stone to exploring issues of family loyalty, responsibility, and the legal system... A thought-provoking novel that highlights the difficulties and rewards of second chances and new beginnings.

".."".thoughtful and forgiving of the large and small weaknesses of parents and children."" ""Rottman has a history of creating male characters that are dead-on, and Shadow is no exception. His struggle to be recognized as a unique person is something every teenager goes through, and the added stress of his brother's return exacerbates the situation. The unusual plot gives the book its strength and appeal, and the realistic ending adds to its credibility and message."" ""Rottman... creates a three-dimensional, introspective protagonist facing difficult circumstances and choices. Shadow's dilemmas and changing perspective are realistically portrayed, as are his vacillating feelings, from resentment to confusion. Particularly notable is Rottman's insightful depiction of family dynamics, which demonstrates the range of responses to crisis. The conclusion, though open-ended, seems hopeful, providing a stepping stone to exploring issues of family loyalty, responsibility, and the legal system... A thought-provoking novel that highlights the difficulties and rewards of second chances and new beginnings."""

Author Information

S.L. Rottman is a former teacher and the author of several young adult novels. A graduate of Colorado State University, Rottman lives in Colorado.

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