Racing California

Gr 9 Up—High school senior Evan Boroughs signs a pro-cycling contract to join the team of his idol, Tour de France winner Dash Shipley, for the prestigious Amgen Tour of California. Evan's decision creates tension not only in his relationship with his parents, but also with his girlfriend, Glory. Further complications include a hostile older sister; the mysterious, agonizing attacks that his mother regularly suffers; the antagonism of some members of his racing team; the blandishments of a racing groupie; and the revelation that Dash has been taking performance-enhancing drugs. In a hurried conclusion, Evan goes against instructions to help a teammate win, encourages Glory to pursue her dream of attending Harvard even though it might spell the end of their relationship, and wins the Best Young Rider award. While the novel's detailed descriptions of training regimens and racing strategies might appeal to avid cyclists, most readers will have a hard time wading through the bewildering array of characters and underdeveloped plotlines. Only for libraries where interest in the sport is very strong.—Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT