For children age 13 and over.
Ages 13

Age 13+ The cover of this book shows a grinning devil with a red heart standing out against his black body. This really sums it up ? the book is full of heart. It is a most enjoyable read.

Jack is sixteen and 'stuck in deep neutral'. He drifts through school trying to avoid being noticed. This all changes when a new student, Thorns, arrives. Thorns is continuously smiling, joking and doing things that make him (and Jack, as they become friends) stand out. The new boy confides in Jack that he has a condition that means he is unlikely to live long. He has a list of things that he wants to do before he dies and enlists Jack's help in their execution. Before long, the two boys are involved in a hopeless fight with the school thugs and climb onto the roof of the school (because it is there).

This novel is a delight ? it covers some emotionally difficult territory, but in a light way, with the characters' warmth shining through at every turn. The ultimate message ? experiencing life deeply as you are living it ? comes through vividly via Thorns and Jack's adventures. The supporting characters add to the mosaic of the deeply lived life: Thorns's ex-jockey step-dad, fishing without hooks because he doesn't like hurting the fish; octogenarian Herman, formerly a stand-up comedian; the mysterious girl at the lingerie shop. While not always finely drawn, these individuals enhance the story.

As an addition to a school library, or a set for literature circles or whole class study, Dare Devils will have wide appeal.

Les Strong (WA) ( )

Lovely, moving novel about a friendship between two boys. Jack and his mother are still recovering from the death of Jack's sister in a car accident when into their life steps "Thorns". T is suffering from a weak heart - he has already had 3 by-pass operations - and knows his time on earth is short. He asks J if he will help him complete his list of things to do before he dies - ride a racehorse, get chased,etc. J is reluctant at first but Thorns' charm wins him over and J soon meets T's Mum ( a carnival fortune teller) and his step-dad Scobie ( an ex-Jockey) and together they help T prepare for the inevitable. I bawled my eyes out at the end! Wonderful book that is better than No Worries Condon's CBC award winning book.