About This Book
This engrossing young adult novel follows seventeen-year-old Jamie, whose life is upended when her father, deeply entrenched in a cult, expels her from their home for not conforming. Suddenly homeless, Jamie must confront the harsh realities of survival on the streets, all while dealing with the emotional fallout of a drug-addicted mother, a recovering alcoholic father, and a tumultuous relationship with Josh, the son of a church elder. The story explores themes of self-reliance, the complexities of family loyalty, and the journey towards forgiveness, as Jamie forms an unexpected bond with an ex-con who becomes her unlikely ally. It's a fast-paced adventure with a lot of heart, perfect for mature teens interested in gritty realism and character-driven narratives.
Homeless after her father kicks her out for refusing to join a cult, seventeen-year-old Jamie must find a way to survive on her own.
Concepts
Self-Confidence & IdentityResilience & PerseveranceLoneliness & BelongingLove & FamilyJustice & FairnessForgiveness & RedemptionHonesty & IntegrityFear & BraveryFriendship & LoyaltyAnger & FrustrationSadness & GriefBeing DifferentFinancial HardshipMaking FriendsGrowing UpFamily & SiblingsSurvival & Wilderness
separation_from_parent
peril_danger
illness
mental_health_themes
Romantic Content
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Jamie's refusal to join the cult demonstrate her integrity and self-identity?
2
What challenges does Jamie face being homeless, and how does she overcome them?
3
Discuss the nature of Jamie's relationship with Josh. Was it healthy, and what did she learn from it?
4
How does the unlikely friendship Jamie forms impact her journey and survival?
5
What does 'forgiveness' mean in the context of Jamie's relationship with her father, and do you think she achieves it?
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