Drop In

Gr 5–8—Drop In is more novel than graphic novel, although a 16-page chapter is told entirely in a black-and-white comic-book format. In this first volume in the series, readers learn about a powerful force created when pro skateboarder Tony Hawk performed the first "900" (2.5 revolutions) off a ramp in 1999. Hawk's skateboard, according to the novel, shattered into hundreds of pieces that traveled throughout the world. Those known as "snakes" seek the powerful pieces for evil purposes, while the "owls" want them for good. Omar Grebes, 15, traded his surfboard for a skateboard after losing his father in a surfing accident. Now he wants to skateboard professionally. When filming tricks in hopes of getting noticed, Omar nearly drowns. He resurfaces to find that his friend Tommy has fled the scene, but a beautiful young woman named Neelu offers to get him a new set of clothes. It soon becomes clear that Tommy is not all he once seemed and that Neelu offers new mysteries as well as unexpected answers. Drop In is interesting enough to sustain the interest of reluctant readers, and the format is open and unintimidating, but the cliff-hanger ending means that libraries will need to purchase the next book.—Sarah Knutson, American Canyon Middle School, CA