The Boxer and the Spy

Terry and his best friend (and not-so-secret crush) Abby are horrified when their friend Jason is found dead on the beach in their hometown. Pronounced a suicide, the adults claim Jason's death was related to steroids; something Terry and Abby are certain the shy Jason would never touch. Taking matter into their own hands, the two fifteen year olds and some friends take on the case. Alternate chapters focus on Terry's boxing under the direction of local gym owner, George. Little does Terry know that boxing will come in handy in both the gym and in cracking the case!

Ten Cents A Dance

This book is about Ruby, a fifteen year old girl growing up in the Great Depression. Her father deceased, and her mother unable to find work due to illness, Ruby leaves school to work in a factory. At a local dance she meets badboy Paulie, who tips her off on how to make more money: dancing, one of Ruby's favorite pastimes. Except that this isn't dancing swing with her friends, but dancing with unknown men, at night. The job is not considered "respectable," so Ruby must hide her work from her mother. And, her relationship with Paulie.