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Table of Contents
About The Book
A teen runs away from his broken life and invents a new one in this “absorbing and satisfying” (Booklist) adventure from Printz Honor winner and National Book Award finalist Chris Lynch.
Crystal City called for him, and Kevin answered. And why wouldn’t he? His relationship with his father is broken—as is his arm. With barely anyone to miss him or care if he’s gone, it seemed like the perfect time for Kevin to run away to his estranged uncle and create an entirely new identity. New name. New attitude. New friends. Maybe even a new girl.
From the first moment of adventure, Kevin’s life takes a turn for the exciting. Making friends seems easy with his new persona, especially when a group of homeless beach bums instantly includes him in their crew. But do they like the real Kevin, or the guy he’s pretending to be? And will this new lifestyle help Kevin escape from the misery of his former life—or will it drag him right back into the reasons he left home?
Crystal City called for him, and Kevin answered. And why wouldn’t he? His relationship with his father is broken—as is his arm. With barely anyone to miss him or care if he’s gone, it seemed like the perfect time for Kevin to run away to his estranged uncle and create an entirely new identity. New name. New attitude. New friends. Maybe even a new girl.
From the first moment of adventure, Kevin’s life takes a turn for the exciting. Making friends seems easy with his new persona, especially when a group of homeless beach bums instantly includes him in their crew. But do they like the real Kevin, or the guy he’s pretending to be? And will this new lifestyle help Kevin escape from the misery of his former life—or will it drag him right back into the reasons he left home?
About The Author
Jules Chester
Chris Lynch is the award–winning author of several highly acclaimed young adult novels, including Printz Honor Book Freewill, Iceman, Gypsy Davey, and Shadow Boxer—all ALA Best Books for Young Adults—as well as Killing Time in Crystal City, Little Blue Lies, Pieces, Kill Switch, Angry Young Man, and Inexcusable, which was a National Book Award finalist and the recipient of six starred reviews. Chris is the author of middle grade novel Walkin’ the Dog. He holds an MA from the writing program at Emerson College. He teaches in the creative writing MFA program at Lesley University. He lives in Boston and in Scotland.
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (January 13, 2015)
- Length: 240 pages
- ISBN13: 9781442440135
- Grades: 7 and up
- Ages: 12 - 99
- Lexile ® 830L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®
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Raves and Reviews
"Recommended for fans of the author or readers who enjoy dark, angsty reads and character-driven novels."
– School Library Journal
"It's Kevin’s unshakable awkwardness (including a humiliating tendency to blush at Stacey’s every minor provocation), some dark twists, and Lynch’s proficiency for zingy banter that make this story about feeling like an outsider among outsiders leave a lasting impression."
– Publishers Weekly
"A meditation on belonging, choices and denial...Lynch's skill at sustaining an appealing voice while slowly unveiling the extent of his protagonist's self-deception is impressive."
– Kirkus Reviews
"Lynch has written another fine, character-driven coming-of-age novel...always absorbing and satisfying."
– Booklist
Awards and Honors
- Kansas NEA Reading Circle List High School Title
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Killing Time in Crystal City eBook 9781442440135
- Author Photo (jpg): Chris Lynch Jules Chester(0.1 MB)
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