DRIVE-BY

Ewing's first novel is grim, taut, and ultimately hopeful, with a satisfying ending that makes its point without belaboring it. In the early pages, Tito's older brother, Jimmy, is killed in a gang-related drive-by shooting. This is only the beginning of Tito's family's troubles, for while they cope with their grief, the gang attacks their house repeatedly, forcing the family to move. Following revelations about Jimmy's secret life, Tito's innocence is gradually stripped away; he confronts hard truths about gang life and takes action to protect his family and do what is right. Written in stripped-down prose that mirrors (sometimes gratingly) Tito's bleak world, the brief tale combines the plot twists of a mystery with a topical setting and theme that will appeal to reluctant readers. (Fiction. 10+)