About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the weight of expectations or feels they have to hide their true self to please a community. This poignant novel follows Joshua, a preacher's son who has always played the role of the perfect kid, until his childhood crush Maddie returns to town. Maddie has been sent away for 'getting into trouble,' and her presence forces Joshua to confront the difference between following rules and following his conscience. It is a deeply empathetic look at the masks teens wear and the courage it takes to be honest about one's mistakes and desires. Parents will appreciate the nuanced portrayal of faith and the realistic, non-judgmental exploration of peer pressure and teenage autonomy. It is a sophisticated choice for older middle schoolers and high school students who are beginning to navigate the gray areas of morality and identity.
