Rising Water (Aladdin Fiction)
Grades 6-9--Kevin is assigned to an animal-rescue agency as a part of the public-service hours he must serve for stealing a car. He learns the ropes from a volunteer named Tracy and her older brother, Luke. Unimpressed by the "jailbird," Tracy finds the fellow freshman a bit like a wild animal in need of taming. When persistent rains cause a river to break through the levee, the teens are asked to take food out, by boat, to a stranded black Lab. The rapidly rising water adds to the urgency of their mission but the group encounters a more dangerous situation when they suspect burglars are ransacking an unoccupied house. The story unfolds rapidly as Kevin and Luke investigate the property and spy on the armed thugs. Kevin narrowly escapes as he and Tracy dodge a bullet that puts a hole in their boat. The pair must resolve their differences in order to survive and return for Luke. The chapters alternate point of view between Tracy and Kevin, exposing their emotions and vulnerabilities. Both personalities are well developed and their evolving friendship is cemented by the end of the story. Background details of animal rescue and floodwater problems add realism, and the author effectively ties these elements to the characters' resourcefulness in solving their dilemma. This suspenseful adventure will be a sure hit with reluctant readers.Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NYCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.