Author(s): Mandy Hager

YA Fiction

Smashed tackles gritty teenage issues such as alcohol, physical and sexual abuse, and anger. But author Mandy Hager delivers it with a sense of humour and great sensitivity. It is a thoughtful, pacy read  one that is hard to put down. Telling the story of three teenage friends, and how their friendship, loyalties and values are thrown into confusion when the main characterÂs younger sister is raped by one of his best friends. His reaction sets in motion a Âripple effectÂ, which culminates in a violent act of revenge upon the rapist. Has our hero done this? As he finds himself deep in trouble and confused about the truth, he is forced to the vital question: are we really just puppets controlled by our genes, or do we have the free will to rewrite our own destiny? ItÂs a cautionary tale of growing up  of the huge and complex challenges todayÂs young people face in their lives. Told with humour and compassion it is also, ultimately, a story of courage, love and redemption. Winner of the Ester Glen Medal in the 2008 LIANZA Children's Book Awards - for the most distinguished book written for children/young adults in that year. Teacher notes available on www.randomhouse.co.nz