About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with the complexity of loyalty to family versus the need for personal safety and truth. It is an essential resource for mature teens who feel isolated by family secrets or who are witnessing the cyclical nature of domestic violence within an immigrant context. The story follows Karina, a Haitian-American girl, as she navigates the terrifying reality of her stepfather's abuse and the heavy 'code of silence' that governs her household. This is a raw and unflinching look at resilience and the moral ambiguity of survival. Because of the intense depictions of physical abuse and the heavy emotional weight, this book is best suited for older teens (14 and up). Parents should choose this book to open a dialogue about domestic violence, the psychological toll of keeping secrets, and the profound strength required to break cycles of harm.
