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LAST EXIT TO NORMAL Michael Harmon Hardcover | Knopf Books for Young Readers | 978-0-375-84098-2 (0-375-84098-2) | March 2008 | $15.99 | Ages 14 up Hardcover Library Binding | Knopf Books for Young Readers | 978-0-375-94098-9 (0-375-94098-7) | March 2008 | $18.99 | Ages 14 up

Ben’s life spirals downward after his father announces he is gay. His mother leaves, and Ben is left with his dad and his partner. Ben’s self-destructive path leads his family to Montana as a last ditch attempt to save him. Ben arrives in the sprawling metropolis of Rough Butte, Montana, population 400. His dad’s partner, Edward, grew up here, and left 20 years ago. Ben’s days of hard work at the hands of crotchety Miss Mae, Edward’s mother, seem endless. In spite of it all, he is quickly drawn to the secretive young boy next door who hides a terrible secret. Ben’s decisions affect the girl he comes to love and the child who lives next door. He must learn to accept the consequences of his actions.

COPYRIGHT

Prepared by Pat Strawn, Librarian, John Jay High School, San Antonio, Texas

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