His uncanny ability evidently triggered by the beating, Smoke exists inside and outside the fictional Greater Denver Youth Offender Rehabilitation Center (unrealistically represented as a maximum security prison). John “Smoke” Conlan has survived a brutal beating from his father, a murder conviction, and prison life. Leaving his actual body behind in prison, Smoke can move through the world as a ghost in this fantastic yet real portrait of a survivor seeking answers. Ryan never goes over the top as he unfurls the story, alternating the voices of the four teens, but exciting events occur, and the gradual jelling of the group is completely believable.Ī regular kid’s prom, minus the limo but with enough drama to satisfy. They all manage to meet, get connected and ultimately have a prom night that is far more memorable than their original plans. Well, not grateful that she claims he has diarrhea but glad to be off the hook. Their plans have been carefully calibrated to make the maximum impact, but when Paul has one of his panic attacks, he’s grateful that his mom covers for him. And then there’s Paul, who is the popular jock being led around by the nose by cool girl Lannie. It’s just exciting to actually meet John after all their online messages. Roemi’s date is going to help him be one of the first gay couples at prom, and while he knows there’ll be a hassle, he doesn’t care.

Now tagging is, and she’s got plans to make her mark. Candace is just staying with her dad and stepmom for the weekend, but it’s prom back in her city world, which is so not her thing. It’s prom night, and four teens’ plans for the evening are about to get hijacked.Īndrea is a high achiever who gets grounded when her mom finds an alcoholic beverage in her closet.

Tag Along by Tom Ryan