When the Road Ends

Jean Thesman's 'When the Road Ends' is a compelling survival story centered on three foster children, Mary Jack (12), Adam (14), and Jane (7), along with an older woman recovering from an accident, who are left to fend for themselves in a remote mountain cabin. Abandoned by their irresponsible caretaker, the group is forced to quickly learn self-reliance, teamwork, and how to form an unconventional family unit. The novel sensitively touches on themes of past trauma, the complexities of foster care, and the empowering journey of children discovering their own strength and capacity for care. It's a powerful narrative about overcoming adversity and finding belonging in unexpected circumstances.

Sent to spend the summer in the country, three foster children and an older woman recovering from a serious accident are abandoned by their slovenly caretaker and must try to survive on their own.