Hideout

Since the fight, Sam has been feeling off.  Two vicious bullies beat Sam and his friend, Grover, so badly they had to be hospitalized, and now Sam can't stop trying to figure out why they picked him. 

His dad got him a fishing boat, and Sam's been taking it out every day--but not to fish.  Police think there is a body somewhere in the swamp.  They found an abandoned boat, and Sam thinks if he can navigate the maze of Mississippi swamps to find the body, he'll be a hero, and he won't feel bad about himself anymore. 

Instead, he finds Davey, a kid about his own age living in an old fishing camp.  No one is supposed to be out there anymore since the swamp is under government protection, but Davey says he's waiting for his dad and his brother to show up.  Sam decides to keep Davey's secret and to help him by bringing food and supplies. 

He has a feeling Davey isn't being completely honest about his situation, but Sam is enjoying spending time with his new friend at the secret camp.  The fun quickly turns to danger when Davey's older brother shows up and it's clear he is involved in criminal activity.  Will Sam be able to save himself and his new friend, or will their bodies be lost in the swamp forever?

Watt Key's new book will appeal to kids who love action adventure stories, and this one is a page-turner.  I enjoyed this one even if Sam did come across a little whiney to me.  The issues of dealing with friendships and being the target of bullying will appeal to kids, and when Sam finally gets over himself, his loyalty to his friends is admirable.  Recommended for grades 7 and up for some mild profanity and violence.