About This Book
When would a parent reach for this book? Reach for this story if your teenager feels like an outsider or is struggling to maintain their identity after a major family shift. This novel follows Mike, a talented pianist whose life is upended when his mother leaves for a national theater tour and his father sends him to a rigid military academy. In this harsh new world, Mike must navigate systemic bullying and the pressure to conform. The book explores deep themes of loneliness, the resilience of the artistic spirit, and the complexities of blended families. While the environment is stark and often unforgiving, the story highlights the importance of holding onto one's passions to survive difficult times. It is a realistic, gritty look at adolescent survival that will resonate with older readers who feel misunderstood by the adults in their lives.
