Get Out of My Face

Kate's father and stepmother planned a camping trip to bring 15-year-old Kate and her new step-brother and stepsister together in pleasant surroundings. Linda and Kate get along fairly well, but 12-year-old Joey can't stop being horrible to Kate. A fight between them causes their canoe to overturn as it hits the rapids. Suddenly, it's a matter of life or death, and Joey and Kate must put aside their differences to rescue the injured Linda. In his debut effort, Masterton shows room for improvement: his dialogue grows wooden at times, and the facile explanation of the psychology behind Joey's anger undermines the boy's emotion. Additionally, young would-be adventurers with rudimentary first aid training may take exception to the medical details of Linda's injuries. These shortcomings do injustice to a story that moves along briskly and offers a solid dose of suspense and survival. Ages 10-14. (Sept.)