Focus on Neal Shusterman

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-- School Library Journal, 2/2/2006

When young adult readers talk about the ficton of Neal Shusterman, they use words like "creepy," "bizarre," and "cool." While some of his titles encroach on magic realism, others are more of the thriller variety. There is always a touch of the absurd in Shusterman's books, much to the delight of young readers who aren't looking for "normal." Reluctant readers will appreciate the fast pace of these titles, too.

Dread Locks. Dutton. 2005. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-525-47554-0.

By the time 15-year-old Parker starts to suspect there is something evil about the new "it" girl in town, it's almost too late. Tara is hip and British, with a head full of gorgeous blond curls, and she's so cool that she never takes off her sunglasses. But everyone who is close to her is changing, in weird ways. This title kicked off Shusterman's "Dark Fusion" series, which twists together myths and thrillers. Look for #2, Red Rider's Hood, released Fall 2005.

Downsiders. S & S. 1999. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-80375-3; pap. $4.99. ISBN 0-689-83969-3.

An alternate world lies under the pavement of NYC, a place both repulsive and fascinating. Its inhabitants, the Downsiders, never interact with the Topside—in fact, to do so is forbidden and punishable by death. But when 14-year-old Talon realizes that only by connecting with a Topsider will he be able to save his sick sister, he risks all and discovers that the world above is as confusing and fantastic as his own.

The Shadow Club. Dutton. 2002. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-525-46833-1.

Second place, second chair, second runner-up—it's never quite the same as coming in first. When a circle of high school friends decide to start a "Second Best" club, it seems like a good idea. But what begins as group therapy on handling the Unbeatables evolves into something else. Practical jokes escalate into mean-spirited and dangerous pranks, and the club members eventually turn on one of their own. Shusterman writes out of his own experience of always being second best on his high school and collegiate swim teams.

Remarkable Reads are produced by the editors of NoveList, NoveList K-8, and Book Index with Reviews (BIR), leading resources for readers' advisory services and collection development. For more information, see epnet.com.

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