Final Crossing

April 15, 2014
Grades 7-10 Stealing money from a few cars on a ferry seemed like an easy enough job for Will and Big O, but when the brothers stumble upon an apparent kidnapping victim, things get complicated fast. Lockpicker extraordinaire Will narrates the story, which pulls in the dangers of criminal life, family loyalty, and even a dash of romanceand all within the span of a single ferry crossing! Driven by action and adrenalin, this is a clearly written page-turner for reluctant readers. Complex social issues, such as having parents in jail and living in a group home, form the backdrop, making it more than a mere tale of theft gone wrong. Rodman's troubled teens are victims of circumstance rather than miscreants; however, they have no intention of keeping the hand they were dealt. Ultimately a tale of redemption and new beginnings, this couches its message of hope within a high-stakes fight for freedom.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)