In an ordinary city, five ordinary boys happen upon something truly extraordinary-a suitcase stuffed with enough U.S. currency to change their lives forever. Can they keep the money or should they report it? Must they report it? The boys bring the suitcase and the money to Steve Crevane's home. After two straight evenings of spirited discussions, they vote four to zero (one abstention) to keep the money. What follows is a journey filled with joy, anticipation, stress, and sorrow. And problems, multiple problems-a storage place for the money, a plan for distributions, the need for secrecy, and the need for patience; it may (and does) take years for the ordeal to run its course. And ever present is the threat posed by Officer Blight, a rogue policeman who seems to know about the money and want it for himself. The story is seen through the eyes and thoughts of protagonist Steve Crevane who becomes caretaker, rule maker, and disburser of the funds. An only child, Steve longs for a return to those days before high school when the guys (The Cider Mill Laners) did everything together, had loads of fun, and pledged eternal loyalty. The money, Steve feels, will bring them together again. Hundred-Dollar Bills is packed with vivid scenes: regular meetings and discussions in Steve's bedroom where the boys supposedly work on a project for Dever High's Science Fair; trips to a Portland bank and to Rockingham Raceway where they hope to exchange hundred-dollar bills for smaller denominations; sad moments at Murphy Funeral Home; an important conversation at Canal Pizza; a car chase from Louie's Tavern to Pritzer's Landing Road; and the clearing at Coburn Woods where it all started and where it will end. The characters are colorful and well-defined, the dialogue sharp, authentic, and meaningful. The humor is pervasive, effective, even rollicking at times-and always clever. Hundred-Dollar Bills-a Young Adult without stereotypes. A book for all ages.
