The Keymaker: Born to Steal - Softcover

Porter, Penny

Softcover

ISBN 10: 094317399X ISBN 13: 9780943173993

Publisher: Roberts Rinehart, 1995

Synopsis

A high school senior in southern Arizona uses his talents as a locksmith for criminal gain until a janitor who had befriended him is accused of his crimes.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Gr 6-9-Using his skill as a locksmith, Jimmy Cooper, 17, masterminds the robbery of his Arizona high school, stealing the computers and other valuable equipment. He planned the heist with two friends in order to get enough money to escape an increasingly abusive home situation with his stepfather and mother. He is faced with a moral dilemma when Nick, the janitor who has befriended and cared for him, is accused of the crime. Now Jimmy must choose between clearing Nick and turning on his friends. He solves his problem by returning the stolen goods and running away. After a series of startling and too-convenient discoveries, he finds his long-absent father, solves an old mystery, and manages to be forgiven for his crime. The characterizations of Jimmy and Nick are somewhat one-dimensional; other figures are even more briefly developed. The theme of rough-edged youth developing moral courage is reminiscent of S.E. Hinton's work, but this novel lacks the believability and completeness of The Outsiders (Viking, 1967). Also, the writing is somewhat stilted and choppy.-Carrol McCarthy, Tower Hill School, Wilmington, DE

Copyright 1994 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Roberts Rinehart
• Publication date: 1995
• ISBN 10: 094317399X
• ISBN 13: 9780943173993
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 153