With Steve, author Rob Thomas has taken a teenage outsider and given him a funny, intelligent voice: 'There are those males who merely fill ear holes with tiny studs hardly big enough to offend a Marine.

No matter where the finger of blame ends up pointing, it's a wild ride of self-enlightenment as Steve discovers that not all relationships are permanent, and that some-like the one with his dad-can be mended with a little work.

Or it could be because his 'heart had been run through frappé, puree, and liquefy on a love blender' by his ex-girlfriend, Wanda 'Dub' Varner. Maybe it was when he discovered that he really couldn't relate to his father, the Famous Astronaut. What sounds like a run-of-the-mill writing assignment, however, becomes an excuse for Steve to reflect on the last four years (from Texas freshman to California senior), and figure out where it all went wrong. Teens will appreciate the author's empathy and humor, and teachers and parents will examine his work for clues to the mystery of adolescence.In order to pass English class and graduate, 18-year-old Steve York has to write a 100- page essay about his life. When I combine the look with a doo rag, I'm a regular pirate.' As with his other novels- Doing Time and Slave Day-Thomas proves his thorough grasp of young adult issues and emotions.

In order to pass English class and graduate, 18-year-old Steve York has to write a 100- page essay about his life.

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