Fastback Beach (Orca Soundings)

Miles Derkach is in trouble.

Along with two friends, Miles stole a car and went joyriding. When the dust clears, he is all alone and his friends have left, leaving him to take the blame―and the punishment―while maintaining his silence. Placed on probation and sentenced to community service, Miles begins working for a man who after suffering a stroke and not being able to drive, has kept his beloved hot rod under wraps in the garage. Seeing a chance to learn more about cars and pursue his dream of becoming a mechanic, Miles helps to restore the car. When the hot rod is stolen and Miles is the prime suspect, he realizes that he must confront his friends and stand up for himself.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Shirlee Smith Matheson is the author of several critically acclaimed books for young adults. Her stories are inspired by the universal struggle to fit in as an adolescent, especially those who have been uprooted from their homes and familiar surroundings.