Stephen Goldin 
Crossroads of the Galaxy 

A book in the tradition of the Heinlein juveniles.Young Alex Bredakoff always wanted to be a star trader. But it wasn’t until his family moved to the Nexus space colony and he met Kasinda Venderling–daughter of a trader, and someone who’s been plying the star lanes her entire life–that he realized how truly exciting–and dangerous–his life could become.But when you’re in a runaway starship with a kidnapped alien prince, flying straight into a sun, it’s a little late to re-evaluate your options.