A FRIEND AT MIDNIGHT

Lily, 15, has never accepted her new stepfather, but knows her real father is a loser. She’s sure that no good will come of it when her eight-year old brother Michael goes to live with him. Indeed, Dad dumps Michael at the airport with no ticket, no food and no money. Lily rescues him, but vows not to tell anyone. The incident and their secret wreak havoc on both siblings’ lives, even prompting Lily to lose her faith in God. Tension builds even further when Lily’s sister wants their real dad to be a part of her wedding and Lily can’t tell her about him. When events finally come to a head and the truth emerges, Lily learns much about herself as well as the people around her. Always readable, Cooney is as adept at adolescent psychology as she is at suspense. Yet another enjoyable—and this time enlightening—offering from the author that can expand her fan base even further. (Fiction. YA)