Crumble

Sarah McKnight is an 18 year old with a secret%E2%80%94she is in love with fellow high school student, David Brooks. The problem with their relationship is that she's white, he's black, and her father, George, has a history with the Ku Klux Klan. They keep their relationship hidden well, biding their time until they can leave Kalispell, Mont., for college and be together openly. However, an unplanned pregnancy throws a wrench into their plans, followed by the discovery of their relationship and a tragic accident that sends shock waves through the tiny community. Phillips writes in an engaging manner, which makes the subject matter feel slightly less overdone. However, the surprise twist is predictable practically from the beginning, as are the actions of most of the characters. Sarah's relationships with the men in her life are broadly drawn, but readers will still find her a compelling protagonist, struggling between girlhood and being an adult. While that alone will not stop readers from feeling that they've read this story before, it may keep their interest a while longer.