(Amulet Books) A teenager sets out to investigate a hate crime – the murder of a boy who used to be her best friend – and uncovers the ugliness of intolerance and the dark side of life in a small town. This gritty, powerful novel is aimed at young adult readers.
UPDATE: After being told her book was an NBA young adult finalist, author Lauren Myracle was asked to withdraw her book from the judging on Oct 17. "Shine" is no longer a finalist for the 2011 NBA award.