Is it possible that one moment could change your life forever? Is it better to face the truth or bury yourself in lies? In the action packed book, Swallowing Stones by Joyce McDonald there is one 4th of July that will change the lives of some teens forever.
A 15-year-old Jenna Ward has just lost her father, Charlie Ward due to a bullet coming out of no where. On the other side of town Michael MacKenzie Is having the time of his life at his 17th birthday party. Michael has received a .45-70 caliber Winchester Rifle from his grandfather. Michael and his best friend Joe Sidowski have just gone into the woods to shoot his new birthday present. Joe has also brought Amy Ruggiero “know as the school hustler” as a gift for Michael.
The day after Michael’s party he is on his was to take his driver’s-ed test with Joe Sidowski. As he is on his way he hears over the radio that Charlie Ward has died from a bullet randomly falling from the sky and hitting him in the head. Joe and Michael both know that they were a part of it, but swore to each other to keep it a secret.
The reader knows that is was Michael that shot Charlie, but the characters in the story have different thoughts. Some think that it was Joe that shot Charlie others think it was Michael. Amy and Michael have grown closer since that night in Michael’s garage, but Michael is keeping a secret from Amy which will eventually hurt him.
As the police continue to investigate Charlie Ward’s death, they discover that the weapon used was a .45-70 caliber Winchester Rifle. Michael takes care of the ward’s house by cleaning their gutters and tending to their yard at night. The police find a shell from a bullet in the McKenzie’s backyard and the pressure is on Michael and Joe. The police take Joe in for questioning. Joe tries to stay strong, but he starts to fall under the pressure. Joe tells Michael that he took the rifle to look at it while Michael and Amy were in the garage but never shot it.
Jenna is still trying to accept the fact that her dad is gone. Jenna, Michael, Joe, and Amy all go through emotional phases. Jenna and Michael both have to eventually face the facts. Jenna’s father is gone and Michael has fired the bullet that killed Mr. Ward. As the point of view switches from Jenna to Michael, new surprises will be revealed throughout the story to keep you on the edge of your seat. This book discusses mistakes and experiences of teens. I would recommend this book for children and teens 13 and up.