
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with questions about restorative justice, the definition of family, or the weight of adult responsibilities. It is a profound choice for families navigating foster care or for parents who want to foster deep empathy in a child who may be quick to judge others based on their past mistakes. The story follows Jack, a young boy whose family welcomes Joseph, a fourteen-year-old father who has just been released from a juvenile detention center. Through Joseph's journey to find his daughter, the book explores themes of unconditional love, the systemic failures of the foster care and legal systems, and the quiet power of a supportive home. While the emotional weight is significant, it serves as a beautiful testament to the idea that everyone deserves a second chance and a place to belong. It is best suited for mature middle schoolers and high school students due to its heavy themes of loss and teenage parenthood.
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Sign in to write a reviewA major character dies in a tragic accident toward the end of the book.
Descriptions of past physical abuse by a parent and some school-based altercations.
Characters must decide between following the law and doing what they feel is right.
The book deals directly and realistically with teenage pregnancy, parental abuse, and the flaws of the foster care system. It also features a significant character death. The approach is secular and stark, ending on a realistic but heartbreaking note that emphasizes the enduring impact of love despite tragedy.
A mature 13 to 15-year-old who appreciates quiet, character-driven stories and is beginning to notice social inequities. It is perfect for a teen who feels like an outsider or one who is deeply invested in social justice.
Parents should be aware of the ending, which involves a tragic accident. The book also discusses the physical abuse Joseph suffered at the hands of his biological father. It is best to read this alongside the teen to process the heavy emotional payoff. A parent might reach for this after their child expresses curiosity about the foster system, or perhaps after the child has witnessed a peer being unfairly treated or bullied by authority figures.
Younger readers (12) will focus on the brotherhood between Jack and Joseph. Older teens (16+) will more acutely feel the systemic injustice and the complexities of Joseph's situation as a young father.
Unlike many YA novels that sensationalize trauma, Schmidt’s prose is sparse and crystalline, focusing on the small, grounding details of farm life to balance the intense emotional stakes.
Twelve-year-old Jack’s family fosters Joseph, a fourteen-year-old who has spent time in juvenile detention and has a daughter he has never met. Set on a snowy Maine farm, the boys form a deep bond as Joseph struggles against a school system and a society that have already written him off. The story culminates in Joseph's desperate search for his daughter, Jupiter, and the tragic consequences of a world that lacks compassion for vulnerable youth.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.