Awards

• Short-listed for Black-Eyed Susan Award (High School) 2012
• Short-listed for Iowa Teen Award 2014
• Short-listed for Nutmeg Book Award (Teen) 2013

Overview

The New York Times bestselling author of Challenger Deep, Neal Shusterman, delivers a suspenseful, eloquent, and thrilling novel that you won't be able to stop thinking about after you've put it down.   Tennyson is not surprised, really, when his family begins to fall apart, or when his twin sister, Brontë, starts dating the misunderstood bully, Brewster (or The Bruiser, as the entire high school calls him). Tennyson is determined to get to the bottom of The Bruiser's reputation, even if it means gearing up for a fight. Brontë, on the other hand, thinks there's something special underneath that tough exterior. And she's right...but neither she nor Tennyson is prepared for the truth of what lies below the surface. Told through Tennyson, Brontë, and Bruiser's points of view, this dark, twisting novel explores friendship, family, and the sacrifices we make for the people we love. A Texas Lone Star Reading List selection A Book Page Top Ten Book of the Year A Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year A Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice

Full Product Details

9780061134104

Table of Contents

Reviews

Shusterman's novel reveals its secrets and their implications slowly, allowing readers to connect the dots before the characters do and encouraging them to weigh the price of Bruiser's 'gift' against the freedom from pain that Tennyson and Bronte enjoy. --School Library Journal Shusterman's writing is wonderful and a joy to read. The subject matter makes this a great book discussion choice. --Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) The compelling issues and engaging premise make this a rewarding read. --ALA Booklist This eloquent and thoughtful story will most certainly leave its mark. --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books This is a wrenching but ultimately redemptive look at how pain defines us and how love, whether familial, romantic or friendly, demands sacrifice and brings gifts of its own. Once again, Shusterman spins a fantastic tale that sheds light on everyday life. --Kirkus Reviews Even as the narrative wrestles with philosophical and moral issues, it delves deep into the viewpoints of Tennyson, Bronte, Bruiser, and his younger brother, each segment told in a different, distinctive style, making for a memorable story. --Publishers Weekly

Shusterman's novel reveals its secrets and their implications slowly, allowing readers to connect the dots before the characters do and encouraging them to weigh the price of Bruiser's 'gift' against the freedom from pain that Tennyson and Bronte enjoy. --School Library Journal This is a wrenching but ultimately redemptive look at how pain defines us and how love, whether familial, romantic or friendly, demands sacrifice and brings gifts of its own. Once again, Shusterman spins a fantastic tale that sheds light on everyday life. --Kirkus Reviews Shusterman's writing is wonderful and a joy to read. The subject matter makes this a great book discussion choice. --Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) Even as the narrative wrestles with philosophical and moral issues, it delves deep into the viewpoints of Tennyson, Bronte, Bruiser, and his younger brother, each segment told in a different, distinctive style, making for a memorable story. --Publishers Weekly The compelling issues and engaging premise make this a rewarding read. --ALA Booklist This eloquent and thoughtful story will most certainly leave its mark. --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Shusterman s novel reveals its secrets and their implications slowly, allowing readers to connect the dots before the characters do and encouraging them to weigh the price of Bruiser s gift against the freedom from pain that Tennyson and Bronte enjoy. --School Library Journal

This is a wrenching but ultimately redemptive look at how pain defines us and how love, whether familial, romantic or friendly, demands sacrifice and brings gifts of its own. Once again, Shusterman spins a fantastic tale that sheds light on everyday life. --Kirkus Reviews

This is a wrenching but ultimately redemptive look at how pain defines us and how love, whether familial, romantic or friendly, demands sacrifice and brings gifts of its own. Once again, Shusterman spins a fantastic tale that sheds light on everyday life. --Kirkus Reviews Shusterman's writing is wonderful and a joy to read. The subject matter makes this a great book discussion choice. --Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) Even as the narrative wrestles with philosophical and moral issues, it delves deep into the viewpoints of Tennyson, Bronte, Bruiser, and his younger brother, each segment told in a different, distinctive style, making for a memorable story. --Publishers Weekly The compelling issues and engaging premise make this a rewarding read. --ALA Booklist Shusterman's novel reveals its secrets and their implications slowly, allowing readers to connect the dots before the characters do and encouraging them to weigh the price of Bruiser's 'gift' against the freedom from pain that Tennyson and Bronte enjoy. --School Library Journal This eloquent and thoughtful story will most certainly leave its mark. --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Author Information

Neal Shusterman is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of Bruiser, which was a Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) choice, a YALSA Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults pick, and on twelve state lists; The Schwa Was Here; and the Unwind dystology, among many other books. He lives in California with his four children.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available