Until It Hurts to Stop

Gr 8–11—In junior high, Maggie Camden was subjected to bullying-vicious taunts that continue to haunt her four years later. Raleigh Barringer, who tormented her, moved away, but as the novel opens, Raleigh returns, stoking Maggie's memories of the harassment. Although Raleigh appears to ignore her now that they're in high school, Maggie can't seem to shake her dread. It's a little hard to believe that anyone so fearful would also be an A student with complementary extracurriculars, the piano and mountain climbing. Maggie's rebuilt confidence relies heavily on Nick Cleary, her hiking buddy and best friend, although the challenges they face on the trail aren't as interesting as their conversations on the ground. Her other worry, besides Raleigh, concerns a recent urge to kiss Nick. Thus the tension of this smart novel is within Maggie, and not between her and the societal problem of bullying.—Georgia Christgau, Middle College High School, Long Island City, NY