Somewhere in the Darkness

Walter Dean Myers's Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor novel introduces Jimmy Little, a fourteen-year-old living with his guardian, Mama Jean. His world is upended when his biological father, Crab, an escaped convict, suddenly appears and insists on taking Jimmy on a road trip across the country. What begins as a quest for Crab to prove his innocence and connect with his son becomes a profound journey of discovery for Jimmy, filled with revelations about his father's past, the complexities of justice, and the ties that bind families. The book tackles themes of grief, identity, and resilience with an unflinching gaze, culminating in a poignant ending. It is suitable for young adult readers, approximately ages 12-18, who are ready for a deep, emotionally resonant story.