Gr 9 Up—Jason is a high school student who has grown up to be a fighter. The abuse he's suffered at his father's hands toughened him up so much that he solves more problems with his fists than with his words. Then Michael, one of the most popular boys in school, offers to pay him to hang out with his group of friends every day. Jason doesn't understand why Michael wants this, but he does know that the money can help him and his sister achieve their dream of running away to start a new life. The more Jason learns about Michael's twisted motivations, the more he realizes that he's stuck between a rock and a hard place. This is a provocative and suspenseful book, centering on a boy who's difficult to like at first. But as readers get to know him and understand how and why he has that tough exterior, they will find themselves worrying about him more and more. Still Waters features well-drawn characters, realistic dialogue, and ethical dilemmas that many readers have already faced or might have to face in the future. A great choice for reluctant readers, fans of books with male protagonists, and lovers of survivor stories.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library