Нил Шустерман: The Shadow Club

What would you do to be Number One?

The Number Ones always get the glory. They win the races and take the gold medals, leaving the second-place kids in the dust. For Jared and Cheryl, nothing is worse than being second best, hidden in someone else’s shadow. Their idea to form a club of second-best kids seems harmless enough at first—they just want to air their bad feelings about their archrivals. But when that isn’t enough to keep everyone interested, Jared suggests that the Shadow Club members play anonymous practical jokes on each other’s enemies. What they don’t know is that Tyson McGaw, the school reject, is eavesdropping—and that he has a few ideas of his own.

“This is a provocative novel. . . . The plot is ingeni­ously simple and the course of events compelling. It will leave readers thinking.” —Booklist, starred review

“The mystery is well-constructed, with a logical yet unexpected finale that provides moral weight as well as plot satisfaction.” —BCCB

“This engrossing book portrays how easily ‘good’ kids can lose control. Shusterman vividly conveys the over­whelming qualities of violent emotions and chillingly shows how a group of nice people can become a vengeful mob.” —

“Powerfull. Every reader who has felt resentment will identify with these young people, their anger, and their terror.” —Kirkus Reviews