Under the Bridge
Titled for the Spokane skate park where Tate and his younger, rebellious, and more talented brother, Indy, practice in hopes of turning pro, this is a gritty, realistic look at problems in a working-class neighborhood. After one too many squabbles about skipping school, Indy gets kicked out of the house and takes shelter with a fearless drug dealer. Tate’s usual role is that of peacemaker, but when his anger becomes insurmountable, he finds himself looking for fights. When Tate learns that Indy may have been involved in a drug deal gone wrong, he reluctantly turns to guidance counselor Ms. Potter, who helps him discover that there are more ways to fight a problem than with fists. After getting Indy to recognize his dreams in life, Tate then tries to realize his own. Despite profuse swearing, this quick-paced novel with a touch of romance never delves too harshly into the issues at hand and offers an uplifting (and even a bit too tidy) ending. Grades 9-12. --Angela Leeper