About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager feels like their own identity is being swallowed by a family crisis or a sibling's special needs. While the story centers on a medical malpractice lawsuit involving Ellen's younger brother who has cerebral palsy, the heart of the narrative is about a sixteen year old girl finding her voice. It explores the tension between family loyalty and the necessary, sometimes messy, process of individuation. Parents will appreciate how it handles complex emotions like resentment, crush-induced impulsivity, and the realization that adults are fallible. It is a grounded, realistic look at a young woman moving from the sidelines of her family's struggle to the center of her own life. The book is appropriate for ages 12 and up, offering a sophisticated look at justice and self-advocacy.
