About This Book
Reach for this book when your young teen is struggling with the awkwardness of being 'different' or feels overwhelmed by the shifting dynamics of middle school social circles and family life. It is an empathetic choice for the child who feels isolated or is experiencing the stinging reality of peer judgment and school-yard hierarchies. Clara and Amos are two ninth graders who find themselves on the fringes of their small-town social scene. As they navigate the complexities of divorce, self-consciousness about physical appearance, and the looming threat of local bullies, they form an unexpected and vital bond. The story masterfully balances the internal world of adolescent insecurity with a high-stakes external plot involving real danger, making it both a mirror for emotional growth and a compelling mystery.
