About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the weight of public perception or feeling pressured to perform a specific brand of patriotism that does not align with their personal convictions. It is an ideal choice for the student who has done something 'right' but finds themselves vilified by their community because of the nuances of their beliefs. The story follows Kevin Boland, a teen who saves a classmate's life only to become a local pariah when people discover he refused to support a popular pro-war ribbon campaign. It offers a sophisticated look at the difference between being a hero and being a mascot. This is a gritty, realistic exploration of integrity and the cost of standing by one's principles in a digital and highly polarized world. It is most appropriate for high schoolers due to its complex political themes and mature social dynamics.
