Poster Boy

Sixteen-year-old Gray Fallon's life is looking pretty good. His easygoing parents - a university science professor and silkscreen artist - are happy for him to entertain his friends in his suburban basement "sweet," complete with TV, pingpong table, video games and access to the outdoor hottub. Part-time job at the Cineplex, the occasional beer or joint, a smart, funny best friend, a hot new girlfriend - things couldn't really be any better. Then Gray's twelve-year-old science nerd sister, Maggie, is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. When he learns that the cancer may have environmental causes, Gray sets out to uncover the cause and make Maggie better. Crane captures the teenage voice keenly, with all their bravado, self-righteousness, irreverent humor and vulnerability.