Chinese Handcuffs, by Chris Crutcher

Crutcher, Chris (1989). Chinese handcuffs. New York: HarperTempest. 

ISBN 0060598395 / 9780060598396

Summary:  Dillon struggles with the memory of his older brother's gory suicide and the guilt that he was a cause, a feeling that is shared by his brother's girlfriend, Stacy.  An underachiever at school, he often stands up to the principal's pressure to "give back to the school" by putting his athletic prowess into school sports. Meanwhile, he befriends a star-basketball player, Jennifer, who confides in him that her step-father is sexually abusing her.

Additional comments:  This story is filled with complicated emotions and issues presented quite graphically.  Dillon has difficult decisions to make regarding keeping his friend safe while also respecting her trust that he'll maintain confidentiality.  Hits on a number of issues with which some teens will relate and feel less lonely.  The nice basketball coach serves as a great role model; however, her intimate conversations with her male student seem a bit unrealistic as does her response to information that she is legally bound to report. But, perhaps teen readers won't pick up on this.