Fake ID

Gr 9 Up—Nick Pearson's real name is Tony Bordeaux. A high schooler in Witness Protection, this is the fourth new identity and home for Nick in the last few years. It's all because his father keeps falling into his old criminal habits. Despite this, Nick is trying his best to fit into his new life and school in Stepton, Georgia. He befriends his student guide, an eccentric aspiring journalist named Eli Cruz. As Eli attempts to persuade him to join the school paper, the reporter alludes to shady dealings and sinister happenings going on in Stepton, including something called "Whispertown." Unexpectedly, Nick finds Eli dead one morning. The police rule his death a suicide, but Nick and Eli's sister Reya suspect that he may have uncovered something that he shouldn't have. As evidence mounts, the protagonist begins to connect all the disparate events, culminating in deadly consequences. Giles's action-packed debut will have teens on the edge of their seats as they follow Nick's journey to discover the secrets of Whispertown and his attempt to uncover why his friend was killed. Teen readers will especially relate to the likable everyman and African American main character. His burgeoning relationship with Reya, despite being grounded in tragedy, is one of the more charming aspects of the plot. A twist reveal at the novel's climax will shock many and will leave fans of mystery and suspense books extremely satisfied.—Ryan P. Donovan, New York Public Library