Shadow of a Doubt

by S.L. Rottman

Book Overview

Shadow?s life changed forever when his brother Daniel ran away. What will happen now that Daniel is home again? For fifteen-year-old Shadow Thompson, life ended seven years ago?the night his older... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1561452912
• ISBN13: 9781561452910
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 12 to 16 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 11

Customer Reviews

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

In SHADOW OF A DOUBT, author S. L. Rottman tackles several issues superbly, weaving the plot and subplots into a multi-layered novel teens will love. While the main issue is family reconciliation, other subjects include alienation, friendship, and the stigma of having a relative in the criminal justice system. The main character, Shadow, has had to deal with the absence of his older brother for nearly half his life. But when Daniel returns, the entire family's life is turned upside down. Their mom and dad have many questions but tread softly, not wanting to alienate their returned prodigal son. Shadow resents the warm welcome and the "molly-coddling" Daniels receives from them, particularly in light of the murder charge hanging over his head. As the parents try to allow Daniel to come and go as he pleases as he waits for his trial, Shadow feels overprotected and resents his lack of freedom. He has joined the Debate Team at school and gradually finds a sense of belonging. But the questions linger about Daniel's guilt or innocence and tension builds in the home as the trial draws near. In the end, Shadow must confront his parents, his brother, and his own suspicions and fears in order to grow as an individual. This proves to be extremely challenging, making SHADOW OF A DOUBT an engaging read. The characters are well-rounded, the dialogue quite realistic, and the raw emotions of a family in turmoil ring true. Rottman has accurately portrayed a family's pain as they cope with loss and recovery, two roads exceedingly difficult for parents and their children. Recommended. Five stars. Reviewed by: Mark Frye, author and reviewer

Shadow of a Doubt

This books is about a boy Shadow, whose brother and best friend runs away when he was just a child. Now that he has been alone for quite sometime, it is a major shock when his brother Dan comes back home. His parents not only had to pick him up from jail but they have to take him to court for being accused of murder. Shadow is just a teenage boy and he is trying the best he can to make things in his life and his parent's lives good. Throughout the book Shadow learns of Dan's past and learns to feel for others. This is a great book! Read it!

A great teenage read!

Being a middle school librarian I'm always searching for good books kids can relate to and enjoy reading, this is one. The personna of Shadow is what our gothic-type students portray, and yet, many times is a facade. The older brother returning after missing for 7 years shows the tender thread that holds all families together. His murder charge and the facts surrounding it, give a good idea as to how difficult it is to make it in the world alone and how quickly what you love can be taken from you. And, finally, Shadow realizing that he is capable of change - in clothes, in attitude, and in friendship - shows our students that change is always an option.

One to Buy for Your Library

Though Shadow of a Doubt, by S. L. Rottman, will appeal to both male and female young adult readers on several levels, adults will also profit from reading this excellently written story about a 15 year old boy whose brother returns to the family after being gone for 8 years. The book deals with family dynamics and issues of trust. The main character dresses in black and we see the pre-judgment people have made expecting him to be like his brother who had made a reputation for himself in high school before his disappearance. There will be families who will be able to identify with the grief and sacrifices that go along with someone in the family facing incarceration. We can see the tension between the main character and his parents and understand what is going on, why the mother is so over-protective. We see the value of friendship and the hope of parents changing. We see the power of respect(...) there is the hope of a shadow of a doubt when the older brother goes to trial. There is also a little love interest. I read the book in one sitting (unusual for me). This book is on my highly recommend list.

Shadow of a Doubt

Shadow of a Doubt is one of the best books I have ever read. Shadow hasn't heard from his brother ever since he ran away, 7 years ago. Now, his brother is back in the picture and Shadow isn't willing to forgive him, let alone deal with the crimes his brother has done. You will see Shadow unfold into a better person. I loved this book.