Tightrope - Hardcover

Cross, Gillian

3.49

259 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0823415120 ISBN 13: 9780823415120

Publisher: Holiday House, 1999

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When anonymous messages from a stalker start becoming increasingly dangerous and violent, fourteen-year-old Ashley, who has an exciting secret that the stalker knows about, must decide if she should seek help from Eddie Beale, a gang leader.

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About the Author:

Gillian Cross is the critically-acclaimed author of more than twenty-five books. She lives in England.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 7-10-Fourteen-year-old Ashley's life is circumscribed by near poverty, her invalid mother's dependence upon her, and the insensitive attentions of her gossipy best friend. Ash finds solace from her grinding dailiness by scaling physical and artistic heights as a graffiti tagger in her shabby English neighborhood. By day she is virtuous and shy, but her nocturnal activities are her secret pride and she is sure that no one will guess her identity as "Cindy." But after she scales the neighborhood grocery and leaves her tag, someone starts leaving her threatening notes-and worse-at home, addressed to Cindy. Ashley finds protection with a neighborhood gang run by a 30-something fellow who seems to have salvaged other imperiled teens and adults, too. She becomes friendly with one of the gangster's young minions, believing that she will find help in unmasking the stalker. This is excellent and swiftly paced storytelling. Although Ashley is the only fully realized character, her story will attract general YA readers as well as inveterate thrill seekers. Each chapter concludes with a page or two of narrative from the vantage point of one of the supporting characters, allowing readers to anticipate Ashley's revelations without giving away the thrilling climax. Briticisms in no way intrude on the immediate apprehension of scenes, activities, or vivid details. A taut and exciting read that will prove a ready booktalking prospect.
Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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