Colder Than Ice

Plot Summary

Josh isn't happy to be starting at a new school, especially as it's almost Thanksgiving. But maybe it's a chance to be somebody—not so easy for a kid who's been pretty average and is overweight besides. So when big-shot Corey Kitchens wants Josh to join him and his friends for ice hockey on Poor Rooney's pond, Josh is pumped. He can see himself out there, with the cool seventh graders, a natural success for the first time in his life. He can hardly wait for the ice to get thick. But why is it that Skye, the girl with the warm smile, doesn't trust Corey? And why does Mark, the strange kid who has Asperger syndrome (a form of autism), put up an umbrella to protect himself from the snow? Why does he say that the coming cold will test the heart? David Patneaude's new story is a compelling tale about real friends and real courage.

Awards

2006 Sasquatch Reading Award Master List; 2006-2007 Sunshine State Young Reader's Award Master List

Reviews

"This fast-moving story is simple, straightforward, and effective, and has characters who are true to life. Anyone who has ever been new to a school, dealt with bullies, or just not known whom to trust will relate to Josh and his dilemmas." School Library Journal

"...Corey's interest in Josh is much more sinister, as is revealed in a dramatic, heart-pounding scene that will stay with readers long after they put down the novel. A sensitively handled subplot about an autistic classmate gives more depth to this thought-provoking story." Booklist

Associated Keywords
friends, novel, boys, boy, friend, novels, courage, hockey, bully, bullies, bullying