About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is expressing a deep desire for independence or feeling disillusioned by the reliability of adults. It is a powerful choice for a child who feels like they are raising themselves or who finds more comfort in machines and logic than in unpredictable social dynamics. The story follows fourteen-year-old Terry, who is abandoned by his parents and decides to drive a hand-built kit car across the country. While the premise involves a minor driving illegally, the heart of the book is a soulful exploration of mentorship and self-discovery. Terry meets Waylon, a Vietnam veteran who teaches him that true education happens on the road and through human connection. Parents will appreciate how Gary Paulsen handles themes of neglect with a matter-of-fact resilience, transforming a potentially tragic situation into a journey of competence, philosophical growth, and the search for a chosen family. It is best suited for ages 12 and up due to mature reflections on war and social issues.
