Author(s): William Taylor

New Zealand titles - children

Matthew 'Spider' Trent is a typical Kiwi 17-year-old - popular, loves rugby, good at school, smokes, would like to drink more beer if his mum would let him, and fancies his old friend Moana. But there's one ting that sets Spider apart from everyone else - he's an extremely talented pianist about to enter a prestigious competition and is trying to decide if his future will be music. Although he's been voted No 10 on a teen magazine's list of the hottest hunks, Spider has doubts about his musical ability and is worried he'll make a fool of himself. With a wonderful cast of forceful characters - his eccentric music teacher (Moana's mother); his mum, a self-made businesswoman who harbours many secrets; the gorgeous, but elusive, Moana; a father whom he has never met; and the ghost of Ludwig van Beethoven, his idol - this is a consummate story of teenage identity about an engaging, yet ambitious, young man who is different. For 13 years and older.