Summer's End, by Luke C. Jackson

CRACK!
Suddenly Amy is holding a hand to the side of her face, her breath hitching as the hallway reverberates with the echo of flesh striking flesh.
Lila had slapped her.

Kristy has been away from Summer’s End and her school, the Owens Academy, for more than a year, after an extended stay in hospital. What she finds is a town and school much different than the place she left behind.

The school principal has gone missing and Nicci, the best friend that Kristy treated badly, is hanging out with the cool group. Kristy becomes increasingly aware that there is something dark lurking beneath the surface, but she has no idea what it is. Will she figure it out before it’s too late?

Summer’s End is a creepy thriller aimed at young teens. The action is well paced and readers are kept guessing right until the end, with twists and turns aplenty. Part of the English Alive series from Jacaranda, it is suitable for classroom use, but engaging enough to be enjoyed for private reading.

Summer’s End, by Luke C Jackson
Jacaranda, 2005