About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is expressing a deep desire for independence or struggling to find their place in a world that feels overly structured. It speaks to the teen who feels like an outsider and is curious about life on the margins. The story follows Robert 'Cali' Callahan, a runaway living a surprisingly organized life in Venice Beach, who becomes an accidental private investigator. While it navigates themes of homelessness and financial hardship, it does so through a lens of resilience and self-reliance rather than pity. Parents should be aware that the book deals with mature themes of street life, but it serves as a powerful bridge for discussing responsibility, the reality of 'freedom,' and what it means to truly care for others. It is best suited for mature readers aged 14 and up due to its realistic portrayal of the foster system and life on the streets.
