Roberts, Willo Davis. Blood on his hands.ROBERTS, Willo Davis. Blood on his hands. Simon & Schuster Simon & Schuster U.S. publishing company. It was founded in 1924 by Richard L. Simon (1899–1960) and M. Lincoln Schuster (1897–1970), whose initial project, the original crossword-puzzle book, was a best-seller. , Atheneum ath·e·nae·um also ath·e·ne·um n. 1. An institution, such as a literary club or scientific academy, for the promotion of learning. 2. A place, such as a library, where printed materials are available for reading. . 192p. c2004. 0-689-85074-3. $16.95. JS When we first meet Marc he's on the run with only a dog named Rat for company, trying to hitchhike hitch·hike v. hitch·hiked, hitch·hik·ing, hitch·hikes v.intr. To travel by soliciting free rides along a road. v.tr. To solicit or get (a free ride) along a road. from northern California Northern California, sometimes referred to as NorCal, is the northern portion of the U.S. state of California. The region contains the San Francisco Bay Area, the state capital, Sacramento; as well as the substantial natural beauty of the redwood forests, the northern to reach his father in Seattle. Marc, age 14, has just escaped from a work camp for delinquent boys after taking a deadly swing at one of the counselors, a nasty bully named Stoner ston·er n. 1. One that stones. 2. Slang a. One who is habitually intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. b. One who is a delinquent or failure. who was responsible for the death of one of the other boys. How has Marc's formerly perfect life come to such a pass? We learn that two years ago his family fell apart after his little sister died of leukemia and his parents divorced. His father has moved away, and his mother's new boyfriend hates Marc and arranges for him to go to the work camp after a misunderstanding at school and some conflicts at home. The boys at the work camp are a tough lot, but Stoner's cruelty impels Marc to act. Will he be able to reach his father, own up to his actions, and regain control of his life? This tense tale makes Marc's plight believable and he quickly earns the reader's sympathy. The description of the work camp is particularly gripping. There is much tragedy and drama here, but the ending is both hopeful and realistic. Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT |
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