Mr. Was (1996), my first YA novel, is a sci-fi/fantasy adventure mystery love story thing that readers seem to either love or hate. I respect both points of view, and I am delighted that the lovers seem to outnumber the haters. I'd say more about this peculiar little book, but I don't want to give anything away. Teacher's Guide Available.

No Limit (formerly titled Stone Cold (1998)) is the story of Dennis Doyle, an ambitious and intelligent young man who discovers early in life something at which he is very, very good: He knows poker the way Tiger Woods knows golf. Teacher's Guide Available.

Hole in the Sky (2001), set in the near future, is the story of four young people who are brought together by plague and circumstance to the Grand Canyon where, in the year 2038, condors outnumber humans six to one. I backpacked into the Grand Canyon doing research for this book. It was grand.

Sweetblood (2003) is a "reality-based" vampire novel about a smart, troubled teen who is struggling to find herself in the face of a chronic, potentially deadly disease. Teacher's Guide Available.

Godless (2004) is the story of Jason Bock, who starts his own religion worshipping the local water tower. A humorous, irreverent, nondenominational look at the power of religion. Teachers Guide Available.

Invisible (2005) is about a young model railroader who does not play well with others.

Coming in May, 2006: Rash, a story set in the near future when eating french fries, playing football, or drinking beer are illegal, and where 20 percent of Americans are serving time in state-sanctioned prison factories.