About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the resentment of an absent parent or struggling to connect with siblings in a complicated, blended family structure. This story follows Michelle and Denny, half-siblings from very different backgrounds who share a father they barely know. When they learn he is dying, they embark on a gritty, cross-country road trip that forces them to confront their prejudices, their shared trauma, and the reality of poverty. It is a deeply realistic look at forgiveness and the messiness of blood ties. Parents should be aware that the book deals with heavy themes including systemic poverty, terminal illness, and racial tension. It is best suited for older teens who are ready for a nuanced exploration of why people make mistakes and how siblings can provide the support that parents sometimes fail to give.
