When her childhood friend becomes the victim of a brutal crime, Cat begins to unravel the tapestry of lies, drugs and bigotry that carpets her small town. Her investigations lead her close to home, and she must discover not only the identity of Patrick's attacker but also the intensely guarded secrets that hold her community together. Set in an impoverished landscape with few options and even less hope, Shine depicts a stark reality, filled with drugs, anger and despair. By the novel's conclusion, Cat must learn how to handle the darkness within herself and her community before she can start to shine.

359 pgs. - ISBN: 9780810984172

AR Points - IL: UG - BL: 4.4 - AR Pts: 11

Keywords: mystery, gritty realistic fiction, edgy language

Honors: National Book Award nominee, 2012 Booklist Best Fiction for Young Adults