About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager feels suffocated by your expectations or is struggling to voice a life path that differs from the one you have envisioned for them. It is a poignant tool for navigating the friction that occurs when a child's emerging identity clashes with a parent's desire for security and tradition. Richie is a high school senior working in his father's diner, trapped between his own creative aspirations and his father's rigid demands for his future. With the help of a quirky, free-spirited new friend, Richie begins to find the courage to define himself outside of his family's shadow. This 1980s classic remains a relevant look at communication breakdowns and the emotional labor of growing up. It is best suited for ages 12 to 17, offering a realistic and ultimately hopeful blueprint for self-advocacy.
