Spider steps on it, and the car jumps ahead. I brace myself as we hit a dune and become airborne. Miles Derkach is in trouble. Along with two friends, he stole a car and went joyriding. When the dust clears, he is all alone and his friends have left, leaving him to take the blame-and the punishment-while maintaining his silence. On probation and sentenced to community service, Miles begins working for a man who, after suffering a stroke and not being able to drive, has kept his beloved hot rod under wraps in the garage. Seeing a chance to learn more about cars and pursue his dream of becoming a mechanic, Miles helps to restore the car. When the hot rod is stolen, Miles is the prime suspect.

Shirlee Smith Matheson is the author of several critically acclaimed books for young adults. Her stories are inspired by the universal struggle to fit in as an adolescent, especially those who have been uprooted from their homes and familiar surroundings.