Bowler, Tim. Firmament.

Simon & Schuster, McElderry Books, 320p. c2004. 0-689-86161-3. $16.95. J

When we first meet Luke, age 14, he's about to break into a woman's house, egged on--indeed, threatened--by a nasty gang of boys. But he keeps hearing a girl weeping, and in the house he discovers the terrified child and can't bring himself to steal anything. When he tries to break into the woman's house again, she confronts him, and insists that he help the frightened girl, who is not only blind but also mentally challenged, by returning to play music for her. Like his father, who died two years ago, Luke is a gifted pianist, and he hears things no one else can: the strum of nature, snatches of music, and voices; and he often feels the presence of his father. His mother has started a relationship with a new man, but Luke, still mourning his father, greatly resents this. He continues to play for the child, and comes to realize that she doesn't belong to the woman; he helps to return her to her parents. His refusal to go along with the gang results in a nearly fatal attack, but his mother's boyfriend comes to his rescue, and in the end Luke's music brings about healing for himself and for others.

As in the works of his fellow British author, David Almond, poetic language and the supernatural play an important role in Bowler's novels, such as River Boy and Storm Catchers, and are very much in evidence in Firmament. The theme of grieving and healing is dealt with sensitively, and there is plenty of drama in the telling. An unusual and poignant coming-of-age tale. Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT