Description

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Sixteen-year-old Denn Doyle’s troubles begin with a seemingly harmless—and extremely profitable—game of poker with some neighborhood kids. Eager to join the adult world, Denn realizes that casinos and poker are a means to do exactly that. His “hobby” progresses to a habit and then to an addiction that threatens relationships with his parents, girlfriend, and best friend. Hautman explores the escalation of Denn’s gambling without preachiness, dealing with his problem in a straightforward and knowledgeable manner.

About the Author

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Pete Hautman is the author of National Book Award–winning novel Godless, Sweetblood, Hole in the Sky, Stone Cold, The Flinkwater Factor, The Forgetting Machine, and Mr. Was, which was nominated for an Edgar Award by the Mystery Writers of America, as well as several adult novels. He lives in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Visit him at PeteHautman.com.

 

Praise For…

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“Fast paced and powerfully delivered, this novel is as taut and suspenseful as a high-stakes game.”—School Library Journal



“Hautman’s anatomy of a teen addict is chillingly intensified by Denn’s narration…watch even reluctant readers ante up.”—BCCB



“Swift and salacious, Hautman’s latest compellingly echoes gambling’s siren call.”—Publishers Weekly



“A compelling read.”—KLIATT