msjamgochian'sinfinitebooklist

At the tender age of ten, Colton Harris-Moore was already committing his first light crimes, breaking into homes in his island community and foraging for food. Born into rural poverty to an alcoholic and abusive mother, Colt's escapades quickly escalated in severity, and by the time he was caught for the last time, he had led the FBI, local law enforcement, and a host of militia men on a wild goose chase across North America that ended in the Bahamas. Friel's local insight (he resides on Orcas Island, the scene for a multitude of Colt's crimes) and dedication to telling Colt's story without judging make for a stunningly intimate portrait of a survivor. I cried when I read about the 'keepsakes' Colt kept in a ziplock bag and carried with him until his final arrest. A meticulously researched biography that will astound and surprise you - whether you are familiar with Colton Harris-Moore's story or not. If you are a native of the Pacific Northwest like mysel...

Twelve-year-old unforgettable Nickel is one of the most unusual and magnetic anti-heroes ever to grace the page. A private eye, a dealer, a fighter, a savior to lost children everywhere, and, most importantly, a survivor, Nickel will make you smile, think, and weep for the hurt that adults can, and do, wreak on young people. When beautiful dame Arrow's little sister Shelby goes missing, she hires Nickel to find her, and he sets out to rescue the girl. In the meantime, he launders some money, discovers a new talent for the boxing ring, and manages the various money-making methods that enable him to live on his own. Although Nickel could have turned out to be one of those cute kids playing grown-up, not for a single moment did I doubt his premature adulthood or his ability to pull it all off. I wish I could make the guy dinner. Although this book is marketed as young adult, I would also recommend it to fans of noir thrillers, especially Dashiell Hammett. This is a story that should b...