Joel issues a reckless challenge to his best friend Tony. The two boys will race across the swift currents of a forbidden river. Joel plunges into the water first, Tony right behind him. The current is stronger than either boy expected. Joel fights his way to the distant sandbar, lungs burning, arms aching. He pulls himself onto the muddy shore and turns to look for Tony. The river stretches empty behind him. Tony has disappeared beneath the dark water. Joel calls out again and again, but only silence answers. Now he must return home alone. He must tell Tony's parents what happened. He must explain to his own family how a simple dare turned deadly. The weight of responsibility crushes down on Joel as he realizes that his friend is gone forever.
Genres: fiction, adventure, contemporary, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Audio Cassette · Books on Tape
Content warnings: death