In the Same Boat

Debut author Green, an experienced rower, writes a thrill-a-minute adventure/romance set during the 265-mile racecourse of the fictionalized Texas River Odyssey. After an accident stops her and her father from completing his 20th annual canoe race, Sadie Scofield, 17, is determined to redeem herself a year later by making the top five—this time with her brother Tanner. But Tanner decides at the last minute to race with another team, leaving devastated Sadie with no option but to row with her former best friend and current enemy, Cully Hinks. Despite the resentment she carries, though, Sadie’s feelings for Cully take a romantic turn as the two face numerous life-threatening challenges, including fallen trees, a lightning storm, and the threat of dehydration. Told from Sadie’s point of view, with particular focus on her fear of disappointing her family, this engrossing novel covers two journeys: a physical trek that has the teens battling for survival, and Sadie’s internal arc as she sorts out truths about the long-term war between her family and Cully’s, and the incident that drove them apart. Meticulous details about the art of rowing and weathering long-distance racing add authenticity to this briskly paced novel and its characters, who are cued white. Ages 14–up. [em]Agent: Michael Bourret, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (July) [/em]