On Edge

Gr 8 Up—Even though Emanuella does gymnastics for her school team, free running makes her the happiest. She and her street buddy Surge run the streets, not seeing the objects like stairs and bike racks as impediments, but rather as a means to increase speed. The free runners have a gang that runs the streets on the poorer side of town while the graffiti artists have a gang as well. The two rival groups challenge each other for turf and space while the town considers both groups juvenile delinquents. Because of low enrollment, the school district consolidates two high schools, forcing the different groups to attend the same school. Violence erupts, but for LL, Emanuella's street name, attending the new school introduces her to Haze, a well-known writer (graffiti artist). In true star-crossed lovers' style, the two meet secretly to keep their relationship hidden from LL's brother. The story deepens when LL finds out that Haze's sister was killed while drawing a picture as a tribute to Haze. Was the killer from a rival gang? A jealous writer? Or could it be Haze himself? LL finds herself considering everyone around her as a possible suspect. As more bits and pieces of the story emerge, LL discovers many secrets surrounding the girl's death. The story ends with a bit of a twist, and the killer is revealed.