DEADVILLE

A tender, thought-provoking story takes a teen from the depths of despair to happiness. Sixteen-year-old Ryan Glazier’s heart broke when his little sister died of cancer two years ago. While his friends have gotten on with their lives, Ryan has plugged himself into his iPod and wrapped himself in a pot-induced fog. He’s living in Deadville, a “not-here-but-not-there zone.” Then the gorgeous and sexy Charlotte Silano, a classmate, has an accident that lands her in the hospital in a coma. Though he hardly knows her, Ryan visits her daily just to talk. Slowly, Ryan comes to terms with his grief and, with help from Betty, the girl he begins dating, Ryan triumphantly re-emerges into the land of the living. Koertge’s talent lies in his ability to create believable situations, well-developed characters and quick, witty dialogue. Ryan punctuates his funny, first-person narration with literary allusions and so many musical references readers may wish for a playlist. Fans will not be disappointed. (Fiction. 14 & up)