The West Virginia Boys

An inexperienced young woman comes face-to-face with the dangers of the real world

Imagine not being allowed to go to school or date? In The West Virginia Boys, authors Tracey Mellert and Katie Whitt explore the effects of a sheltered upbringing on a young woman as she enters the real world.

For Neenah Valdera, isolation has been her life. Completely deprived of socialization by her uber-religious stepmother, she struggles to interact with others. But when the opportunity to live with her grandmother arises, she seizes the chance to get her first taste of the real world. With the support of her only friend Tara, she meets two young men, who vie for her attention and affection. And they aren't the only ones. There's Tara's brother Michael, who has found a renewed interest in the grown-up version of his sister's childhood friend. And then there's Mr. Peterson. A handsome teacher, he sets his sights on Neenah, and as the intensity of his interest grows, Neenah becomes less flattered and more fearful. While the West Virginia boys feel compelled to protect her, Neenah must learn how to take care of herself. But can she survive the pressures of her new life?

A coming-of-age tale exploring what can happen when a sheltered young woman and a psychological predator collide, the story appeals to young adult fans of romance and suspense.