Luke is terrified. It's his big chance to join the Truelanders--if he can pass their test for bravery. But Luke freezes in the face of the Truelander challenge. He just can't go through with their dare, and calls of "chicken" follow him as he retreats through the dark woods. He faces the humiliation of being shunned at school-- even by his bestfriend. Luke can stand up to their threats, but he agonizes over his own cowardice. Yet failing the initiation also brings a new friend into his life. A girl named Shea is able to help him understand himself as well as the others. And with Shea on his side, he finds a way to build his own bridgeto courage. Reading level 6.2