Gr 7 Up-In the first book, Christine and Danelle have glow-in-the-dark ceiling stars in their rooms to remind them of one another and to cement their friendship. During their senior year, this relationship is put to the test when Danelle's moods move from high to desperate. Christine at first attributes the change to drug use but later realizes that Danelle is suffering from mental illness. The second book has car racing as a backdrop. Trent and Adam, rally buddies, try to mend their friendship after an accident hospitalizes Trent and fills Adam with guilt at having caused it. Trent's behavior, his association with a guy he doesn't even like, and other events make Adam worry about what's going on. By asking questions, he learns that his friend, angry at his parents and at being ADHD, has been selling his Ritalin, and helps him get back on the right path. Moral and social issues are dealt with in a realistic way. These books are fast-paced and have good character development and natural dialogue. The theme of friendship is incorporated into the stories in a realistic way without being too obvious. Both titles are suitable for reluctant readers.-Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.