Swallowing Stones

Michael MacKenzie is having the greatest Fourth of July of his life. It's his 17th birthday, his friends are gathered at his house for an all-day party, and he's finally old enough to take his driver's test. To top everything off, his grandfather has given him a wonderful Winchester rifle. At noon, Michael takes his gift into the woods behind the house to celebrate. Joyfully, he shoots once into the air. But with this single, unthinking moment, he sets in motion a web of hideous consequences-and getting through each day becomes as difficult as swallowing stones. Critically-acclaimed author Joyce McDonald skillfully weaves together truth, guilt, and responsibility to create this gripping novel. With his dramatic narration, Ed Sala breathes life into each of the finely-drawn teens and their parents.