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SHADOW OF A DOUBT
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Written by
S. L. Rottman
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Hardcover: $14.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-291-0
Total Pages: 224
Size: 6 x 9
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Paperback: $7.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-354-2
Total Pages: 224
Size: 5-1/4 x 8
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Young Adult, ages 12-16/Fiction
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S. L. Rottman is a former teacher and the author of several young adult novels. A graduate of Colorado State University, Rottman lives in Montana.You can visit S. L. Rottman's website at: slrottman.net/
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Accelerated Reader & Reading Counts Tests:
Reading Counts Test #: Q37104
Reading Counts Level: 4.2
AR Quiz#: 73599
AR Reading Level: 3.9
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FOR FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD Shadow Thompson, life ended seven years earlier-the night his older brother Daniel ran away from home, taking not only Shadow's piggy bank but also his trust. That's when Shadow stopped depending on other people and turned inward, relying only on himself. But now Daniel is back and he stands accused of murder.
Shadow's anger at his brother, his parents' struggles to cope with the sudden return of their son, and Daniel's own feelings of guilt create an emotional undertow that threatens to consume the family once again. But as Shadow begins to open up to new friends, he slowly learns to trust and finally, to forgive. Now the Thompsons may get a second chance at being a family.
Award-winning author S.L. Rottman once again crafts a powerful story that depicts the complexity of human relationships within the framework of a troubled adolescent's struggles to make sense of the people and the world around him.
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Reviews
"...thoughtful and forgiving of the large and small weaknesses of parents and children."Kirkus Reviews "Rottman... excels at realistically depicting teens struggling with family issues. Shadow's anger at Daniel rings true; so does his anger at his parents, who have their own difficulties with Daniel's return and with the murder trial that he faces. Shadow tells the tale, and readers will empathize with his struggle to learn to trust again. Daniel's sad story emerges gradually, and readers will eagerly turn the pages to discover what happens next. A quick, compelling read."Kliatt "Rottman doesn't cheat on character motivation; there is no specific trauma that caused Daniel to go awry, but there is enough emotional blundering and ham-fistedness on the part of both mother and father to make both boys believable in their portrayals... the book offers a convincing portrayal of a boy coming of age through traumas not of his own making, and it underscores the power of a family to forgive."The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books "Rottman... creates a three-dimensional, introspective protagonist facing difficult circumstances and choices. Shadow's dilemmas and changing perspective are realistically portrayed, as are his vacillating feelings, from resentment to confusion. Particularly notable is Rottman's insightful depiction of family dynamics, which demonstrates the range of responses to crisis. The conclusion, though open-ended, seems hopeful, providing a stepping stone to exploring issues of family loyalty, responsibility, and the legal system... A thought-provoking novel that highlights the difficulties and rewards of second chances and new beginnings."Booklist "Rottman has a history of creating male characters that are dead-on, and Shadow is no exception. His struggle to be recognized as a unique person is something every teenager goes through, and the added stress of his brother's return exacerbates the situation. The unusual plot gives the book its strength and appeal, and the realistic ending adds to its credibility and message."School Library Journal "This is a powerhouse of a novel. Not one word is wasted. Characters are varied, believeable, and their behavior can evoke emotional responses.. The premise is solid and the murder twist is handled with realistic circumstances... Highly recommended."Library Media Connection
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Awards
* 2005 IRA Young Adults' Choices List
* 2008 YALSA Popular Paperbacks
* 2004 Honor Book, Society of School Librarians International
* 2003 Parent's Guide to Children's Media Award
* 2004 New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age
* Nominee, 2004 YASLA (ALA) Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
* Nominee, 2003-2004 Keystone State Reading Association Young Adult
Book Award (PA)
* Nominee, 2005-2006 Beehive Award (UT)
* Nominee, 2006-2007 South Carolina Young Adult Book Award
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More books by Author/Illustrators:
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