The 11th Hour

Gr 9 Up—High schooler Annika loves Dylan. He is the best thing that has ever happened to her, so she can't understand why her parents have forbidden her to see him or why her best friend doesn't trust him. She loves him so much, in fact, that she is willing to quit some of her favorite activities like cheerleading and dance. She loves him so much that she runs away with him to start their life together at a remote cabin in the woods. It doesn't take long for Annika to see what others may have already seen in Dylan. When his behavior becomes disturbing, Annika knows she needs help, but is it too late? This is a quick-paced pick that could easily be read in one sitting. The author portrays Dylan as a teenager who is in despair and needs help. Readers will hang on to page after page in this drama-filled narrative to see what happens next. The experience will be like trying to turn away from a car wreck—they may not want to look but they won't be able to help it.