​Kyle Saint-Claire is everything Jonny Fehey wishes to be...

... a star on and off the soccer field, a brain, and one of Millburn High’s most popular students.

Jonny unhappily accepts his lesser social status—but then he scores the winning goal in the county soccer championship and everything changes. Jonny is invited to a victory party with the in-crowd, and alcohol flows freely as toasts are raised in his honor.

But in his moment of glory, a classmate is raped and Jonny's world begins to unravel. Through years of friendship, Kyle and Jonny have always stood up for each other, but suddenly their friendship is tested.

All their training together, pain and dedication become meaningless; Jonny’s preconceived notions are shattered; and someone is out for revenge.

Selected Reviews

  • “The drama, authentic setting, compelling characters, and gripping issues will make this a popular choice for teens who appreciate books by Chris Crutcher and Carl Deuker."--Booklist

  • "The author is obviously knowledgeable about soccer, and his descriptions of the passion that young men bring to the game are genuinely engaging."--School Library Journal

  • “Jonny’s convincing narration reveals a sympathetic character with authentic teen issues he cannot control."--Kirkus Reviews

  • "Martino is a deft hand at limning the on-and off-field rivalries that drive the young men who can't grasp life beyond the drama of senior year, and readers will want to watch the pressure build right up to the final explosion."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

  • "Rating: 4Q • 4P • S Martino, author of the acclaimed novel Pinned (Harcourt, 2005/VOYA April 2005), begins the story with a tremendous first chapter. The descriptions of grueling practices and soccer action are raw and genuine, but these descriptions never overpower the narrative. Teens, especially those who are involved in sports or feel invisible at school, will feel a kinship with Jonny. Some high school athletes may even feel empathy toward Kyle and the scrutiny he endures. The author's portrayal of a graphic sex scene and use of explicit language add to the novel's tension. Martino sets out to touch upon issues such as "the meaning of friendship, the power of the celebrated athlete, and the interactions between teen guys and girls." He succeeds in dealing with these issues in a compelling manner."--VOYA (Voices of Youth Advocates)

  • "I just bought three copies for our library. I loved it!"--Catherine Zaharris, Media Specialist, Lemoore (CA) High School