Sign-In
Cart
The Westborough Crusaders: Book One: The Year Before the Wire
Paperback
Series: The Westborough Crusaders Trilogy, Book 1
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Feb 22 2026
Pages: 334
Weight: 0.85
Height: 0.75 Width: 5.50 Depth: 8.50
Language: English
In 1982, a sixteen-year-old in Lincoln, Nebraska wrote eight episodes of a television series called The Westborough Crusaders, filmed two of them, and won a Cable ACE award. The actor who played Crew later committed suicide. These novels are, in part, an attempt to finish what they started together.
Book One dramatizes the year before the cameras arrive.
It is the summer before freshman year in a Midwestern city that runs on football, routine, and the assumption that things will stay the way they are. Ares Taler is a tight end who catches everything his best friend Keithe throws, until Keithe discovers a girl at the shore and the friendship begins its quiet, undramatic end. Crew Smith arrives from Florida in orange overalls and red sunglasses, carrying a chrome razor he does not need and a talent for burning through friendships that will, for the first time, fail to expire. Stan Harrison lives in the Taler guest room, bowls with Ares's sister Julie on Tuesday nights, and has not yet been offered his first beer by the senior who will dismantle him. Bergie Bergman endures bullying at Northside, transfers to Westborough, and waits for his mother to say the sentence that will change everything.
In the journalism room at the end of a dead-end corridor, a teacher named Canterbilly winds a Swiss grandfather clock every Sunday, eats donuts, and reads student writing samples with the attention of a man who has nothing else to attend to. In the heating ducts above the Taler house, Ares's brother Puck conducts private surveillance of the family while concealing headaches that will become a diagnosis that will reorganize the household around a disease nobody is willing to name.
Eight lives. One school year. Twenty-five chapters of accumulation, friction, and the slow gathering of forces that will detonate when the cameras arrive in sophomore year.
The Westborough Crusaders is a trilogy structured as Before, During, and After. This is Before. The feelings are not fictional.
Also from
Boles, David
The Human Universal Beautiful: How Civilizations See, Shape, and Rank the Human Form
Boles, David
Paperback
The Synthetic Cause: How the Confederate Idea Went Race-Neutral, Machine-Made, and Learned to Call Itself Truth
Boles, David
Paperback
Not My Thing: How We Teach Cruelty to Cure It, from the Armband to the Diversity Seminar
Boles, David
Paperback
Synalosis: The Single Shape Behind the Hunt, the Siege, and the Watch, and What a Target Can Still Do
Boles, David
Paperback
Touching Everything, Holding Nothing: Twelve Stories of the Extraordinary and the Alone
Boles, David
Paperback
The Nearest Hand: Silver, Stimulus, Silicon, and the Five-Century Story of Who Gets Paid First
Boles, David
Paperback
Beautiful Numbness: Art, Sedation, and Twenty-Five Centuries of the Standing Ovation
Boles, David
Paperback
Also in
Young Adult Nonfiction
Consider the Platypus: Evolution Through Biology's Most Baffling Beasts
Sandford, Maggie Ryan
Hardcover
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Stress Free: Adult Coloring Book with 31 Designs Flowers, Mandalas & Nature Perforated Pages, Spiral Bound Gift for A
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Calm (Stress Free Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Teens: Exercises to Learn, Practice, and Improve
Briggs, Missy
Paperback
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
Gray Smith, Monique
Kimmerer, Robin Wall
Paperback
GED Test Prep Plus, Tenth Edition (2026): Includes a Diagnostic Pretest, 2 Full Length Practice Tests, 1000+ Practice Questions, and 60+ Online Videos
Kaplan Test Prep
Van Slyke, Caren
Paperback
Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults): A True Story of the Fight for Justice
Stevenson, Bryan
Paperback
GED Test Prep, Tenth Edition (2026): Includes a Diagnostic Pretest, 2 Full Length Practice Tests, 1000+ Practice Questions, and 40+ Online Videos
Kaplan Test Prep
Van Slyke, Caren
Paperback
Color & Frame - In the Forest (Adult Coloring Book)
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Be Yourself and Other Bad Advice: A Teen Girl's Guide to Unlearning the Rules
Walker, Meredith
Paperback
Self-Love Journal for Teen Girls: Prompts and Practices to Inspire Confidence and Celebrate You
Whitehead, Cindy
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number: Ocean Treasures (13 Images to Sticker)
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Brain Games
Paperback
We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World
Yousafzai, Malala
Paperback
The Super Easy Teen Baking Cookbook: 60 Simple Step-By-Step Recipes
Schotland, Marlynn Jayme
Paperback
Color & Frame - Ocean Treasures (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Stealing Saint Nick: A Legendary Corpse, a Notorious Theft, and the Stories That Shape the World
Anderson, M. T.
Hardcover
Trans History: A Graphic Novel: From Ancient Times to the Present Day
Combs, Alex L.
Eakett, Andrew
Paperback
Large Print Easy Color & Frame - Mindfulness (Stress Free Coloring Book)
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-Winning Stamped from the Beginning
Kendi, Ibram X.
Reynolds, Jason
Paperback
It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood (Adapted for Young Readers)
Noah, Trevor
Paperback
SAT Study Guide Premium, 2027: 3 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice and Video Lessons
Stewart, Brian W., M. Ed
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 in One Big Fat Notebook
Workman Publishing
Wang, Jason
Paperback
The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis
Subramanian, Meera
Novgorodoff, Danica
Hardcover
Getting Started with Arduino: The Open Source Electronics Prototyping Platform
Shiloh, Michael
Banzi, Massimo
Paperback
I Want More Pizza: Real World Money Skills For High School, College, And Beyond
Burkholder, Steve
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number - Vintage: Flowers (28 Images to Sticker)
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Brain Games
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Biology in One Big Fat Notebook
Brown, Matthew
Workman Publishing
Paperback
ACT Study Guide Premium, 2026: 6 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice for the New Enhanced ACT
Stewart, Brian, M. Ed
Paperback
Mindfulness Coloring Book for Teens: Reduce Anxiety, Increase Focus, and Spark Creativity
Rockridge Press
Paperback
Brain Games - Color by Number: Butterflies - Stress-Free Adult Coloring Book with Tear-Out Pages Relaxing Activity for Paint by Number Lovers Gift for
Brain Games
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Geometry in One Big Fat Notebook
Workman Publishing
Needham, Christy
Paperback
The 57 Bus: A True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives
Slater, Dashka
Hardcover
The Big Fat High School Algebra 1 Workbook: 400+ Algebra 1 Practice Exercises
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: Faa-H-8083-25c
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Paperback
American Spirits: The Famous Fox Sisters and the Mysterious Fad That Haunted a Nation
Rosenstock, Barb
Hardcover
I Will Always Write Back: How One Letter Changed Two Lives
Ganda, Martin
Alifirenka, Caitlin
Paperback
The Real Rosalind: The Truth about Rosalind Franklin's DNA Discovery and How It Was Erased
Dunn, Debbie Loren
Fox, Janet
Paperback
Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets about Money--That You Don't Learn in School!
Kiyosaki, Robert T.
Paperback
Cursive Handwriting Workbook for Teens: A cursive writing practice workbook for young adults and teens
Hippidoo
Lalgudi, Sujatha
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace Chemistry in One Big Fat Notebook
Swanson, Jennifer
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Azadi Means Freedom: Fighting for Gender Equity Through the World's Most Popular Game
Shojaei, Maryam
Hardcover
Brain Games - Sticker by Number - Vintage: Garden (28 Images to Sticker)
New Seasons
Brain Games
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Everything You Need to Ace U.S. History in One Big Fat Notebook, 2nd Edition: The Complete Middle School Study Guide
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Brain Games - Sticker by Number: Smile Every Day
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Brain Games
Paperback
A Tale of a Service Animal: A Heartwarming Tale of Disability Awareness, Friendship, and Kindness (Large Print Edition)
DiVietri, Melissa A.
Paperback
An Astonishing Circle: The Discovery and Denial of the Circulatory System
Parrott-Ryan, Maria
Paperback
How to Money: Your Ultimate Visual Guide to the Basics of Finance
Chatzky, Jean
Tuggle, Kathryn
Paperback
Neurodiversity for Teen Girls: Shine Bright as You Embrace Your Brain, Your Emotions, and Your Life
Roberts, Jamie D.
Paperback
A Better World Is Possible: Global Youth Confront the Climate Crisis
Novgorodoff, Danica
Subramanian, Meera
Paperback
Small Victories: A Coloring Book of Little Wins and Miniature Masterpieces
Basford, Johanna
Paperback
The Case for Christ Student Edition: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
The Big Fat High School Algebra 2 Workbook: 400+ Algebra 2 Practice Exercises
Workman Publishing
Paperback
Master Guide to Drawing Anime: How to Draw Original Characters from Simple Templates - A How to Draw Anime / Manga Step by Step Book Series
Hart, Christopher
Paperback
Color & Frame - Country Gardens (Adult Coloring Book)
Publications International Ltd
New Seasons
Paperback
Personal Finance Doodle Notes: Brain Based Interactive Guided Notes
Giraffe, Math
Danziger, Brigid
Paperback
99 Things to Do Before You Finish High School (Revised and Updated)
Stalder, Erika
Villas, Evan
Jenkins, Steven
Paperback
So, It's Your First Job: A Quick-Ish Guide to Navigating the Working World
Orozco-Onyskin, Mari
Paperback
Crochet for Beginners: Step-By-Step Instructions and Patterns
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
My First Complete Learning Library: Boxset of 20 Board Books Gift Set for Kids
Wonder House Books
Hardcover
A Deathly Compendium of Poisonous Plants: Wicked Weeds and Sinister Seeds
Hirsch, Rebecca E.
Paperback
Integers and Order of Operations Math Workbook 6th to 8th Grade: Middle School Integers Workbook, PEMDAS
Publishing, Mathflare
Paperback
The Audhd Teen Survival Guide: Develop Self-Knowledge, Confidence, and Thrive as an Audhder!
Ali, Sonia
Paperback
Lana del Rey: A Vibrant Journey Through the Career and Influence of the Timeless Indie-Pop Icon
Fragassi, Selena
Hardcover
The Graduation Guidebook: What Every Student Needs to Know About Money and Life
Nermoe, Kathryn
Paperback
Niv, Bible for Teens, Thinline Edition, Leathersoft, Blue, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print
Zondervan
Hardcover
Color & Frame - 3 Books in 1 - Animals, Seasons, Inspiration (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Brain Games - Color by Number - Large Print: Patterns (Stress Free Coloring Book)
Publications International Ltd
Brain Games
New Seasons
Paperback
The Vocabulary Workbook for 8th Grade: Weekly Activities to Boost Your Word Power
McLellan, Kelly Anne
Paperback
72 Prácticas Estoicas: Guía práctica de estoicismo para pensar con claridad y sufrir menos
Guerrero, Moisés
Paperback
The Ultimate Activity Book for Teens: Crosswords, Cryptograms, Trivia, and More!
Deneen, Valerie
Paperback
Women in Space: 23 Stories of First Flights, Scientific Missions, and Gravity-Breaking Adventures
Gibson, Karen Bush
Paperback
Rebel Girls Make Dessert: Kid-Tested Recipes You Can Make, Bake, and Share!
Rebel Girls Inc
Paperback
The Case for Faith Student Edition: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity
Strobel, Lee
Paperback
A 5 Is Against the Law: Social Boundaries - a Compassionate but Honest Guide for Teens and Young Adults
Dunn Buron, Kari
Paperback
Preteen Devotional for Girls: 52 Weeks of Encouraging Devotions and Scripture for Tweens
Rust, Brittany
Paperback
Instant Pot Favorites: Fast, Fresh and Foolproof Recipes for Your Electric Pressure Cooker
Publications International Ltd
Hardcover
101 Lessons from the Dugout: What Baseball and Softball Can Teach Us about the Game of Life
Davidoff, Ken
Rotbart, Harley A.
Paperback
The Easy Drawing Book for Teens: 20 Step-By-Step Projects to Improve Your Drawing Skills
Rizza, Angela
Paperback
Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives It Changed
Slater, Dashka
Hardcover
Mental Toughness For Young Athletes: Eight Proven 5-Minute Mindset Exercises For Kids And Teens Who Play Competitive Sports
Horne, Moses
Horne, Troy
Paperback
Color & Frame - In the Garden (Adult Coloring Book)
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback
Sabrina Carpenter: A Vibrant Journey Through the Career and Influence of a Pop Princess
Fragassi, Selena
Hardcover
Color & Frame - By the Sea: Adult Coloring Book with Ocean Designs - Perforated Pages, Spiral Bound
New Seasons
Publications International Ltd
Paperback