Jumper

But a new tragedy and a pledge to avenge the loss will plunge Davy into a dangerous and mysterious world of terrorists and government espionage. This time there may be no safe place for the Jumper.

"The sudden discovery of his teleportation ability rescues teenager David Rice from his abusive father. It also signals the beginning of a new life for the troubled young man. Gould's first novel features a hero . . . whose yearnings and psychological turmoil ring true."--Library Journal. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults.

Deciding he's finally had enough abuse from his drunken father and determined to get away-any way he can-Davy discovers he has the ability to teleport anywhere he wants. Fleeing to New York but desperately short of cash he "jumps" into a bank vault. While living the high life in the Big City on the stolen money and testing the limits of his power, Davey makes another startling discovery: the mother he thought had abandoned him.

But a new tragedy and a pledge to avenge the loss will plunge Davy into a dangerous and mysterious world of terrorists and government espionage. This time there may be no safe place for the Jumper.

Katie Gorney - Children's Literature

In Steven Gould's fictional novel about Davey Rice from Stanville, Ohio, when Davey forgets to finish his chores, his father approaches him with a heavy buckle in hand. Davey avoids the blow as he tenses up, closes his eyes, and finds himself at the Stanville Public Library. This marks the first experience of Davey's miraculous ability to teleport. Throughout the story, Davey travels to New York, Oklahoma, Egypt, Argentina, London, and many other far-away places where he encounters numerous trials and conflicts. Early in the story, Davey decides to live in New York but must find a way to get money to buy the necessities for living. He instantly figures out a way to make a large fortune by using his teleporting ability. One of Davey's emotional struggles in the novel involves the search for his mother, Mary Niles, who left him when he was a young child. However, when she is involved in a fatal terrorist attack, Davey's mission immediately shifts to finding Matar, the man who killed his mother. As Davey searches for Matar, he becomes the hero when he intervenes in a number of terrorist attacks. Now he must also avoid the NSA officials. Davey encounters numerous tragedies and difficulties throughout this story, but his strong character and courage, along with help from his teleporting abilities allow him to overcome almost anything. Gould combines fantastical elements with characters who experience realistic emotions and tragedies, making the story suspenseful and adventurous yet believable. 2002, Tor Books,

Steven Gold is the highly acclaimed author of Blue Waves, Jumper, Wildside and Helm. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with his wife, writer Laura Mixon.