Toronto writer Deb Loughead has written 16 books for children and young adults. Reluctant readers will appreciate the captivating plot, and the short, low-vocab design of the novel ensures it will be accessible to those reading below grade level.

Nevertheless, the book will likely appeal to readers in its target age range due to its brisk pace, likable characters, and clarity of themes and metaphors. Also, the ending of the story is predictable, and almost too easy, with the story arc's fast and full resolution slipping into conventional 'after school special' territory. Certain aspects of the book were unrealistic, such as the fervor of admiration that sweeps through the town for Dylan's relatively simple actions at the scene of the accident. The novel is not without its flaws, however. Dylan's guilty conscience and fear of exposure heighten the story's drama. The Snowball Effect is a fast-paced story that will resonate with young readers because of its relevant themes. Each lie that he tells about the accident leads to another, and soon they are growing unmanageable, snowballing out of control. As the local newspaper reporters clamor to interview him, and the Boy Scouts insist that his family take a free Christmas tree, Dylan struggles with intense guilt over his involvement with the accident. He is not able to slip away anonymously, and soon the town is buzzing with the story of Dylan's heroic act. He checks on the driver to make sure she is okay and attempts to comfort her until help arrives. When 15-year-old Dylan and his friends' game of snow bombing cars causes an accident, he is the only one who doesn't panic and flee the scene. Like a snowball rolling downhill, my lie kept growing bigger and bigger.

I felt rotten to the core about the trail of lies I'd left behind me all evening. 'You're such a sweet kid, Dylan,' she said, ruffling my hair. Volume XVII Number 5.October 1, 2010ġ16 pp., pbk.

The snowball effect by deb loughead