Stand Off

When Ryan Dean West arrives at Pine Mountain Boarding School for his senior year, he is apprehensive.  He knows he will have a new roommate but he is not ready for the excitable cooking-obsessed, popcorn-making 12-year-old Sam Abernathy.

Ryan Dean thinks he wants to be left alone to deal with his fears and that he doesn't need friends. Fortunately, he listens to his girlfriend, his rugby coach and even Sam, eventually - and lets them help him fight his demons.

In the sequel to Winger, Andrew Smith deals sensitively with the challenges faced by a young man who strives to appear strong. In fact, he is struggling to cope with the death of his best friend, as well as the everyday challenges faced by a teenage boy as he grows up.