The Body of Christopher Creed

Chris Creed was the class freak -- his high school's prime outsider. And when he mysteriously disappears, the town of Steepleton is buzzing with rumors: Has he been murdered or kidnapped? Committed suicide? Perhaps, he has simply run away. The only clue is a cryptic email message left by Christopher 24 hours before he turns up missing. In it, Chris explains how envious he is of his classmate, golden-boy Torey Adams, and several of Torey's friends, who get everything -- athletic ability, good personalities, beautiful girlfriends.

As the police and the Creed family search for answers, so too does Torey, who is haunted by Chris's disappearance. And as he digs deeper, and becomes aware of the lies, the pain, and people's need to blame others when tragedy strikes, he is forever changed. Torey's sheltered, privileged life threatens to crumble, as he gets to know some of the kids in town who have been labeled misfits and finds out that people are not always what they appear to be.

This fast-paced, compelling, and suspenseful novel is a powerful coming-of-age story, and an eye-opening account of how preconceived notions can lead people to relate to each other in a negative and unjustifiable manner.

Michael L. Printz Honor Book.