THE PACK
2003, Viking Juvenile
A group of friends, a stunning secret, an act of school violence in the making . . . how far will it all go?
What's the story with Akhil Vyas? At first, Becky is conviced that he's the weirdest person on the earth when he shows up in her freshman English class. He refuses to sit in a chair, stares at her with his spooky dark eyes, and his skin is covered in scars. But when her best friend Omar begins to befriend him, Becky's revulsion changes to intrigue. Akhil reveals that the National Institute of Health is studying him, but he can't say why - until something happens that makes him swear Omar and Becky to secrecy. Suddenly Becky isn't sure what's more shocking - Akhil's secret, or the reason why he must reveal it.
A tale of intrigue that will enthrall any reader.
Review Excerpts:
"A highly entertaining story . . . This novel is an out-and-out suspense thriller with a twist; it should definitely appeal to reluctant readers."
- School Library Journal
"Carbone combines humor, suspense, likeable characters, and a realistic high school setting to grab readers and keep them engaged until the end of the story."
- School VOYA
"Carbone, the author of the ALA Best Books for YAs ‘Stealing Freedom and Storm Warriors’, knows how to build suspense, and the story moves swiftly."
- Kliatt
"Brilliant."
- The Denver Post
Awards and Honors:
Nominee for Quick Picks for Young Adult Reluctant Readers
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A Bank Street College of Education Best Book
Young Adult Golder Sower Award Nominee, 2006-07