Boys Don't Knit

Seventeen-year-old Ben Fletcher is a professional worrier. As a result of recklessly biking into Mrs. Frensham, a grouchy traffic guard, while on an ill-advised alcohol-stealing venture with his "idiot friends," Ben has been placed on probation for a year. Originally published in the U.K., Easton's novel is structured as the journal Ben is required to keep, which makes for a candid and intimate narrative. The other two requirements of Ben's probation are joining an afterschool activity and "Giving Something Back" to the community%E2%80%94namely "performing basic maintenance and cleaning work" for Mrs. Frensham. Ben signs up for knitting class and is shocked to discover that he's a natural knitter: "The only thing that kept me going today was the thought of knitting class tonight. How sad is that?" The methodical craft quiets Ben's anxious mind, but he worries about letting his friends and crush find out about his hidden talent, even as he practices for an upcoming knitting competition. This funny and lighthearted novel captures the excitement of finding a passion in a story about taking life "one stitch at a time." Ages 13%E2%80%93up. (Mar.)