About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their older teenager is struggling with the emotional fallout of a parent's military deployment or is navigating the toxic pressures of hyper-masculinity in a small-town environment. It provides a raw, unflinching look at three high school boys in rural Oregon who are forced to grow up too quickly while their fathers serve in Iraq. The story explores the volatile mix of grief, anger, and the desperate need to prove one's toughness when the traditional male role models are absent. Because of its intense realism and graphic depictions of violence and emotional distress, this graphic novel is best suited for mature teens aged 15 and up. It offers a vital mirror for those in military families who feel overlooked, validating the complex feelings of resentment and fear that often accompany a loved one's service. Parents might choose this to open a dialogue about healthy ways to process anger and the heavy weight of legacy.
