
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with family secrets or the heavy realization that the adults in their life are flawed. It is an essential choice for middle grade readers who are beginning to navigate the complex emotions of loyalty and self preservation when a parent struggles with addiction. Thirteen year old Reese finds himself caught between his mother's desire to move on and his own desperate hope to save his father. Through Reese's journey, the story explores the weight of shame, the importance of honesty, and the difficult process of finding one's own identity outside of a family crisis. It offers a realistic yet ultimately hopeful perspective on resilience and the power of speaking one's truth, making it a supportive companion for children aged 10 to 14 facing similar domestic challenges.
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Sign in to write a reviewThemes of family separation, betrayal of trust, and deep emotional guilt.
The protagonist lies to his mother to maintain a relationship with his father.
The book deals directly and realistically with drug addiction (opioids) and the resulting family instability. It is a secular approach that focuses on the psychological impact on the child. The resolution is realistic rather than a fairytale: while there is hope for recovery, the focus remains on Reese's personal growth and his ability to establish healthy boundaries.
A middle schooler who feels they have to act older than they are to keep their family together. It is perfect for the child who is observant, perhaps a bit withdrawn, and needs to see that their parents' struggles are not their fault.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the reality of relapse. There are scenes involving drug paraphernalia and the physical toll of withdrawal that are handled with care but are quite vivid. A parent might notice their child becoming overly protective of a struggling family member or, conversely, beginning to lie or hide things to 'keep the peace.'
Younger readers (10-11) will likely focus on Reese's desire for his family to be 'whole' again, while older readers (13-14) will better grasp the nuance of his mother's frustration and the necessity of Reese's independence.
Unlike many books on this topic that focus on the addict, this story centers entirely on the child's internal struggle with loyalty and the specific pressure of 'starting over' in a new environment.
Reese is living a double life. In his new town, he is trying to be the 'normal' kid his mother wants him to be, but he is secretly maintaining contact with his father, who is struggling with opioid addiction. The narrative follows Reese as he navigates the guilt of lying to his mother and the heartbreak of his father's repeated relapses, eventually learning that he cannot fix his father's life at the expense of his own.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.