Acceleration

• Genre: Young adult thriller
• Originally Published: 2003
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 670L; young adult (ages 14 and up)
• Structure/Length: Novel divided into chapters; approx. 240 pages; approx. 5 hours and 38 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Acceleration is a young adult thriller by Graham McNamee. The central conflict revolves around Duncan, a teenage part-time night-shift worker at the Lost and Found section of the Toronto Transit Commission. Duncan discovers a diary belonging to a serial killer who details his crimes in chilling detail. Now, Duncan is faced with a moral dilemma—should he turn the diary over to the police or try to stop the killer himself? The novel explores themes of morality, responsibility, and the consequences of choices. Graham McNamee’s storytelling combines suspenseful elements with psychological tension to create a gripping narrative.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes of violence, crime, and moral dilemmas

Graham McNamee, Author

• Bio: Canadian author known for his contributions to young adult literature and his work in the mystery and thriller genres; celebrated for his books, including Bonechiller (2008) and Beyond: A Ghost Story (2013); his novels often feature suspenseful and mysterious elements that engage young adult readers
• Other Works: Sparks (2002); Defender (2016)
• Awards: Winner of the 2004 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery