Overdrive

by Eric Walters

Overview

A street race ends in a tragic accident. Jake's friends tell him to run, but he doesn't know if he can—or should—run from the truth.

Jake has finally got his driver's license, and tonight he has his brother's car as well. He and his friend Mickey take the car out and cruise the strip. When they challenge another driver to a street race, a disastrous chain reaction causes an accident. Jake and Mickey leave the scene, trying to convince themselves they were not involved. Jake finds he cannot pretend it didn't happen and struggles with deciding on the right thing to do. Should he pretend he was not involved? Or should he go to the police?

The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781554696864
Publisher:	Orca Book Publishers
Publication date:	04/01/2004
Series:	Orca Soundings Series
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	112
File size:	1 MB
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

Eric Walters is a Member of the Order of Canada and the author of over 125 books that have collectively won more than 100 awards including the Governor General’s Literary Award for The King of Jam Sandwiches. A former teacher, Eric began writing as a way to get his fifth-grade students interested in reading and writing. Eric is a tireless presenter, speaking to over 100,000 students per year in schools across the country. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.

Read an Excerpt

"We have to get out of here. There's nothing we can do. Besides, there are already people there to help and to call the police. There's nothing we can do but get in trouble."
I hesitated.
"Go! Get out of here!"
I got the car moving. I had one eye on the road in front and the other on my rearview mirror, trying to see the accident. I saw flashing red lights behind me in the distance. For a split second I took my foot off the accelerator. Then I pressed down harder, picked up the speed and took a quick left turn.

Editorial Reviews

This story illustrates the power of peer pressure and how easy it is for good people to make bad decisions. No doubt teens, especially boys, will be able to relate to the events in this story. Recommended.

Canadian Book Review Annual

"This is a gutsy, admirable attempt to provide a viable counter argument to the blinking lights of brain-dead video games and dimwit movies. This is perhaps the most effective employment of the reflective medium of print; an introduction to the internal voice of conscience, cause and effect and consequences. Walters has a disarming, empathetic way with his story. He understands the rhythms of an adolescent's speech; the id-driven energies behind their motivations."

CD Syndicated

"Walters captures the heart and spirit of the 16-year-old first time driver through Jake, the stereotypical teenage boy, who wants to be cool and drive a cool car...This is more than a story about street racing; it is about responsibility and accepting the consequences of one's actions. It is a story about growing up. Highly recommended."

CM Magazine

"This book is slim, though it manages to look quite grown-up in its appearance. And the ending certainly opens the way to further thought and/or discussion."

Resource Links

"The plot moves quickly...this high interest, low reading level novel is simple, engaging, and well written...A satisfying read."

VOYA