Nobody but Us

Gr 9 Up—Two young lovers escape from their unsatisfactory lives, seeking a better one together in Las Vegas. It's a road-trip novel, in a way, with a bit of Bonnie and Clyde, a little nod to Thelma and Louise mixed in. Zoe and Will leave town in a hurry, after an altercation with Zoe's drunk father leaves him knocked out and bleeding on the front porch. Readers will be plagued with doubt over the consequences of this conflict, as is Will, who is only too aware of the riskiness of their actions (including their age difference; he is 18, she is 15). On first glance, the characters seem like stereotypes of teens whom readers have met before. Zoe has no mother and lives with her abusive, alcoholic father. Will was raised in group homes and is prone to fistfights and sudden bursts of violence. What is special about this book, however, is the way that these two young people defy expectations, providing readers with an unexpected and welcome feeling of surprise. Will is unusually tender, conscientious, and selfless, while Zoe has managed to remain rather chaste and naive in spite of her life of hardship. The chapters alternate from his voice to hers, giving a wide-open glimpse into each teen's desires and doubts, of which there are many. The novel cranks up to a heart-pounding finale, perfect for readers who like to be on the edge of their seats, perhaps with a box of Kleenex at hand. Recommended for readers of Lisa McMann's and Patricia McCormick's books.—Nora G. Murphy, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, LaCanada-Flintridge, CA