Search - The Boy in the Burning House

I am currently on a YA kick---and this book is a big reason why. The hero, Jim Hawkins is a totally believable 14 year old boy. He's just emerging from a deep grief following his father's apparent suicide. He valiantly steps up to fill his father's shoes to help his mother keep their farm going. Then one day he meets a wild, mysterious young girl named Ruth Rose, who seems to delight in taunting him....until she reveals that Jim's father may not have taken his own life. Perhaps it was murder? Reluctantly, Jim forces himself out of his shell, befriends Ruth Rose despite being afraid of her, and begins to follow some clues. This book tackles grief, depression, religion and a host of other real issues all while telling an engrossing and enjoyable story. I liked especially that Jim and his mother were close, on the same side, worried about each other, but that they argued and bugged each other just the same. Very believable. The writing style is not frivolous, but perfectly descriptive. I highly recommend this book!!