How to Steal a Car by Pete Hautman

The first car was an accident. Kelleigh didn't plan on stealing it, it just sort of happened. But the rush of the experience, the excitement of it all, it gets to Kelleigh. Her life seems to be a crazy mess, and stealing cars helps Kelleigh forget about how her lawyer father is defending a rapist, her parents don't have the best relationship, her best friend is annoying her more than ever, and the guy she likes is lukewarm towards her. Stealing cars is a release. The only problem? She can’t stop.

How to Steal a Car is funny, smart, and compelling read that is different from many coming-of-age YA stories out there. Pete Hautman sets up the book so that everything you learn about Kelleigh and her friends and family is staggered throughout the book. There aren't any lengthy explanations or character histories to wade through before you dive into the action; it's all combined together, making for a more interesting and entertaining book. Kelleigh doesn't really understand why she steals cars at first, all she knows is that she hates the disjointed feeling that’s taken up residence inside her, and stealing cars gets rid of it. Her journey is every bit as surprising to her as it is to the reader. From the funny moments to the tense ones to the affecting ones, Kelleigh is an authentic, confused character, and her tumultuous feelings are completely relatable to many readers.

How to Steal a Car is a novel about growing up and learning to deal with life's more unpleasant issues, getting along with family and friends, and juggling the many confusing, conflicting emotions that usually accompany the teenage years. Hautman has a talent for being concise in his writing, yet every word is affecting. How to Steal a Car is one book that will entertain you just as much as it will make you think.

Cover Comments: I love this cover. It's simple, but yet very clever, and goes well with the title. I also really like (and this may be ahrd to see in the picture) how instead of doing just a plain, boring blue background, it's a subtle pattern of two blue hues. Such a great cover!

How to Steal a Car is out now from Scholastic!