Young Adult Fiction Law & Crime
Fastback Beach
- Publisher
- Orca Book Publishers
- Initial publish date
- Sep 2003
- Category
- Law & Crime, Peer Pressure, General
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9781551432670
- Publish Date
- Sep 2003
- List Price
- $9.95
-
eBook
- ISBN
- 9781554696130
- Publish Date
- Sep 2003
- List Price
- $7.99
-
Downloadable audio file
- ISBN
- 9781459819849
- Publish Date
- Sep 2003
- List Price
- $18.99
Add it to your shelf
Where to buy it
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age: 12 to 18
- Grade: 8 to 12
- Reading age: 12 to 18
Description
Miles Derkach is in trouble. Along with two friends, he stole a car and went joyriding. When the dust clears, he is all alone and his friends have left, leaving him to take the blame—and the punishment—while maintaining his silence. Placed on probation and sentenced to community service, Miles begins working for a man who after suffering a stroke and not being able to drive, has kept his beloved hot rod under wraps in the garage. Seeing a chance to learn more about cars and pursue his dream of becoming a mechanic, Miles helps to restore the car. When the hot rod is stolen and Miles is the prime suspect, he realizes that he must confront his friends and stand up for himself.
About the author
Shirlee Smith Matheson is the author of numerous teen novels and nonfiction books, including The Gambler's Daughter, Maverick in the Sky, Flying the Frontiers, and Amazing Flights and Flyers. She lives in Calgary and leads writing workshops, presents readings, and travels widely to discover more exciting tales. Her website is www.ssmatheson.ca.
Awards
- Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Our Choice
Excerpt: Fastback Beach (by (author) Shirlee Smith Matheson)
At the turnoff to Fastback Beach, Spider stomps the brakes and the car fishtails. He straightens it but we've passed the turnoff, so he cuts a U-turn in the middle of the highway, laying rubber that smokes around us. Then we're on the gravel trail leading down to the beach.
Below us, white in the moonlight, stretch miles of sand. This is a perfect place for drag racing. Spider steps on it and the car jumps ahead. I put my hand down for balance and brace as we hit a dune and become airborne.
Editorial Reviews
"A likeable hero, appealing to more than just the mechanically inclined who will be steered toward this book."
KLIATT
"Knowledgeable car buffs will enjoy Matheson's auto-laced language...Recommended."
Canadian Book Review Annual
"This is a good pick for boys who are reluctant readers. From the starting lap through to the finish line, it will rev up their enthusiasm."
Resource Links
“Fastback Beach does a superb job of illustrating the struggles teenagers go through when there is a conflict between what they believe is right and what their friends are doing. This is the story of an adolescent becoming an adult, making decisions, and dealing with the consequences of his actions. Highly Recommended.”
CM Magazine
