Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to search

Young Adult Fiction Law & Crime

Fastback Beach

by (author) Shirlee Smith Matheson

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.

Shirlee Smith Matheson's profile page

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

Other titles by