Truthers - Hardcover

Gr 8 Up–High school student Katie Wallace is used to taking care of herself while her dad's off drinking away painful memories. So when the police show up at Katie's house one night, she's not at all surprised—until they tell her what he's done. Threatening a former vice president and raving about government conspiracies quickly land him in a mental institution, where he's heavily sedated and kept away from Katie. When she's finally able to see him, her dad has some shocking revelations to share: he knows what really happened on September 11, and Katie is his living proof. In order to free her dad, Katie dives headfirst into an investigation of 9/11 conspiracy theories, meeting some of her father's former military contacts, butting heads with government officials and private security companies alike, and making shady deals with "Truthers"—people convinced they know what the government is really up to. And the more entrenched Katie becomes in her research, the less sure she is about what to believe. Set in present-day Maryland, the novel walks a fine line between established fact and common conspiracy theory, and readers will question the truth right along with Katie. Girard has created a well-developed, quirky, tenacious main character for whom teens can't help but root. VERDICT A beautifully written, captivating must-have that will hook readers from beginning to end. Fans of mysteries, thrillers, and historical fiction will all find something to enjoy here.—Kaitlin Frick, New York Public Library