In the Garage

Alma Fullerton
• Alberta Children's/Young Adult Book of the Year Nominee, 2007
• CCBC's Best Books for Kids & Teens, 2008 (Starred Choice)

Juvenile Fiction / Homosexuality / Social Issues / Peer Pressure / Violence
Ages 14+ • 112 pages • 4 1/2 x 7"
ISBN 0–88995–371–6 paper •  CDN 8.95 • USA 8.95

"Truth and rumour, fantasy and reality, love and prejudice."

I'm up here, in front of God, the priest, and the congregation listening to
EVERY
SINGLE
AMPLIFIED
BREATH,
of every person in front of me, unable to say a God-damn word about the guy who was my best friend for eight years. All I can do is stand silent, and think about how it all began.

Barbara Jean (BJ) Belanger has always suffered from low self-esteem: she has a portwine birthmark on her face, she feels overweight, and has repeatedly suffered the taunts of others her age for which she is a natural target, a victim. One of the very few who have treated her with respect, understanding and affection is Alex, who becomes her best friend. And what’s ripping her apart as the story opens is that she knows she has betrayed him in the worst possible way. She didn’t realize that he needed her support just as much as she needed his.

The real agents behind her betrayal are two other girls at school, Victoria and Rachel, gorgeous creatures who like flirting with Alex and who pretend that they want to be BJ's best friend. When Alex takes on a new member of his garage band, David, the balance of all their lives is upset, as Alex seems to display more affection for David than for her. Drifting away from her close friendship with Alex, BJ gets drawn into the glamour girls’ orbit, and people start gossiping about Alex’s close friendship with his new singer. Disaster comes when BJ is persuaded that she should steal Alex’s journal of poems, in which he reveals the dark secret of his real feelings for David. Very quickly, BJ's life is turned upside down in a terrible moment in which the meanness of the world proves too much to bear.

Alma Fullerton brings fresh twists to the meaning of love and betrayal in her uncompromising portrayal of two lonely souls whose profound regard for each other isn't enough to save their friendship. This compact novel is a sharp read that few will be able to put down.

"A powerful, poignant novel that should resonate with teen readers."
–Quill & Quire

"In a quick read with heartbreaking results, Alma Fullerton touches base with dilemmas faced by many teens today."
–Kliatt

"The lessons about friendship and betrayal will resonate with many teens."
–School Library Journal

"Recommended. . . Facing the consequences of our behaviour is the valuable lesson left by this novel." ."
–Winnipeg Free Press