Playing a Virginia Moon

It's 1977 and Chet has just begun his senior year at a suburban Virginia high school. A track star and his team's captain, Chet is determined to win a highly publicized cross-country race held each November. He also hopes to beat the record set by Johnny Fiske who, 10 years after his accidental death, retains a legendary status in the track community. Johnny's younger brother, Jimmy, back at the high school after a year at a military academy, has gone out for track, and Chet feels intimidated by Jimmy's obvious talent. Neumann's first novel is only partially effective in portraying the trials of male adolescence in general and of competitive sports and teenage love in particular. Readers are privy to Chet's every thought (or so it seems) while he pursues his goal--and the affection of Maggie, a sports-minded sophomore. This often overly detailed narrative is further hampered by Chet's prolonged, self-conscious musings about Robert E. Lee, his idol despite the general's ultimate defeat. Yet touches of subtle foreshadowing strengthen the plot with moments of suspense and surprise. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)