About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to juggle the pressure of high school achievements while their domestic stability is crumbling. It is particularly resonant for families navigating separation or divorce during times of global or personal upheaval. The story follows Jesse, a boy caught between a high-pressure New York City life and a peaceful vacation home in Pennsylvania. As his parents' marriage dissolves and the COVID-19 pandemic begins, Jesse must learn that he cannot hide from reality in a dream world. It is a deeply empathetic look at anxiety, first love, and the resilience required to face a changing family structure. This book is best for ages 14 and up due to its mature handling of complex emotional stressors and realistic teen relationship dynamics.
