YA review: Paper Covers Rock

Alex, a gifted poet and writer, struggles with guilt after a friend, Thomas, dies in a swimming accident at their elite prep school in 1982.  Thomas, along with Alex and two other boys, had gone to the swimming rock. Drunk from another of the student's vodka, Thomas dove into the water and hit his head on the rock. Moments later Miss Dovecott was on the scene, but isn't sure of what she saw.  Glenn, another of the boys at the rock that day, creates a plot to get the very young and very attractive teacher fired before she finds out what happened. Alex himself knows there is more to the story, and struggles between loyalty to the living and living up to the expectations of Miss Dovecott, with whom he is infatuated. 
Told through the pages of Alex's secret journal, this is a powerful story reminiscent of John Knowles. Students at my high school might not fully understand the boarding school culture that plays an important role here, but will easily connect with the doubts and fears that plague Thomas's mind.  The book is set in 1982, but aside from the singular REO Speedwagon or Cold War references, it could just as easily be set today. At 181 pages, this book will fall short of the typical 200-page-minimum English teacher independent reading assignment, which is a shame because it is a wonderful book that goes much deeper than the typical YA offering.  Highly recommended.