Dead Run

by Sean Rodman

Overview

Sam wants to win, no matter what it takes. Bicycle racing is his sport and he has a gift for it—but his attitude keeps getting in the way. After his teammates give up on him, Sam is offered a fresh opportunity. Viktor, an aging Olympic racer, will coach him and maybe give him what he needs to be a winner.

But there's a catch: Sam has to work as a bike courier at Viktor's company. The work is dangerous and intense, fighting traffic in the inner city to make deliveries at breakneck speeds. Then Sam is assigned by Viktor to the mysterious "dead run," delivering untraceable packages for an unknown client. Soon Sam is racing away from the law—and risks losing everything.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459802476
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	10/01/2012
Series:	Orca Soundings Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	420 KB
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

Sean Rodman is the child of two anthropologists, who gave him a keen eye for observation and a bad case of wanderlust. His interest in writing for teenagers came out of working at schools around the world, including the Snowy Mountains of Australia, where he taught ancient history to future Olympic athletes. When not working on his own books, Sean works with The Story Studio, a charity that is dedicated to getting kids excited about writing. He lives in Victoria, British Columbia. For more information, visit srodman.com.

Editorial Reviews

"Rodman has created characters and a situation that are both intriguing and yet believable....Not all tales of youth involvement in crime are so honest and yet so ultimately hopeful; Rodman has given us a story that is powerful and effective—I hope that all young teens have an opportunity to learn the lesson he gives us."

Resource Links

"A good, fast-paced introduction to two worlds (bicycle racing and bike couriers) that are rarely explored in fiction."

CM Magazine

"The exciting twists and turns and no-fluff style is sure to appeal to male readers, although anyone interested in sports will find this book entertaining. This is the type of book that can quickly encourage a non-reader to actually enjoy reading."

Library Media Connection

"The action is swift and cinematic...should appeal to those readers wishing [for] fast and furious."

NJ Youth Services

"Rodman writes a fast paced story that grips the reader’s attention and deals with the issue of how far a person will go to see their dreams come true."

Canadian Children's Book News

"Fast paced and full of suspense, this book is an excellent choice for reluctant readers. The characters are believable, and the gritty, urban setting realistic."

TriState YA Book Review Committee

"Features short, punchy sentences, brisk character development, and a touch of romance. The emphasis is on the thrill of bicycle racing and being a courier. Readers, particularly those who enjoy action novels, will like the fast pace and vivid descriptions, including scenes of Sam dodging perilous traffic."

Booklist

"Features short, punchy sentences, brisk character development, and a touch of romance. The emphasis is on the thrill of bicycle racing and being a courier. Readers, particularly those who enjoy action novels, will like the fast pace and vivid descriptions, including scenes of Sam dodging perilous traffic."

Booklist

Gr 7 Up—These titles feature well-intentioned teens in tough situations. In Coming Clean, Rob's golden opportunity to pursue his passion for music leads to unintentional involvement with drug deals and the death of a friend due to an Ecstasy overdose. Dead Run focuses on Sam, who loves bike racing. His gig as a bicycle courier becomes more than he bargained for when his boss asks him to deliver secret packages to a sketchy location. In Shallow Grave, Elliot is wrongly accused of a prank and ends up cleaning an old boathouse with a female classmate as punishment. The spirit of a deceased teen speaks to them through a Ouija board, and they struggle to untangle her messages. All three protagonists are unquestionably good people; their choices are what get them in trouble. Brief, current, and fast paced, these books will be enjoyed by reluctant teen readers.—Amanda Moss Struckmeyer, Middleton Public Library, WI

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