Books with author Alden R. Carter

A 100 "Best of the Best" ALA Best Books for Young Adults of the Last 25 Years, Up Country is a heart-wrenching, powerful story from an exceptionally talented writer. Carl knows he's playing with fire every time he fixes up a stolen car stereo to resell. But he needs the money; how else is he going to get away from his boozing mom and her endless parade of classy guys? Then one night his mother's drinking gets out of control and Carl's plan to get himself a decent life takes a nosedive. Sent to live with distant relatives far away from the life he has always known, Carl is faced with a decision: run away and stick with The Plan, or come up with a new one...fast.

It’s not Steve’s fault that his dad is the most hated teacher at school, nicknamed the Toad. What the kids at school don’t know is that Steve’s dad is even harder on Steve than he is on his students. And that his dad has been miserable ever since Steve’s mom and sister died in a car crash three years ago. Most of the kids don’t even know Steve’s real name – they just call him Wart, Son of Toad. Steve’s failing most of his classes, and the auto mechanics program he wants to get into is looking like an impossible dream. Not that it matters, anyway: the Toad would never sign off on his son fixing cars. Steve and his dad may live in the same house, but they exist on completely different planets. And then there’s Trish, the one person who actually understands Steve – but she’s in love with someone else. First published in 1985, Alden R. Carter’s Wart, Son of Toad is a powerful, acclaimed story about love, loss, and taking control of your own destiny.