Fade to Black - by Alex Flinn (Paperback)

About the Book

Alex Crusan, an HIV-positive student, is attacked. The police have a suspect, Clinton Cole, who claims to be innocent despite his open hatred of Alex. Both boys know what happened, but will either be strong enough to tell the truth.

From the Back Cover

Three perspectives -- one truth

The victim: After his windshield was shattered with a baseball bat, HIV-positive Alex Crusan ducked under the steering wheel. But he knows what he saw. Now he must decide what he wants to tell.

The witness: Daria Bickell never lies. So if she told the police she saw Clinton Cole do it, she must have. But did she really?

The suspect: Clinton was seen in the vicinity of the crime that morning. And sure, he has problems with Alex. But he'd never do something like this. Would he?

Review Quotes

"As in her previous novels, Flinn focuses on a contemporary issue and explores it with unexpected plot twists and multi-dimensional characters." - VOYA
"Teens will enjoy ferreting out the reality from the conflicting narratives and arguing about the sensitive issues raised along the way." - ALA Booklist
"Flinn draws perceptive pictures of family relationships and of the emotions of a teenager scared about his future but determined to make the most of the present in this readable exploration of ethical issues." - Kirkus Reviews