About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their child is beginning to notice that people they love and look up to, particularly older siblings or mentors, might be making choices that align with hate or intolerance. It is a powerful tool for a middle schooler who is struggling to reconcile family loyalty with their own burgeoning sense of morality. Set against the backdrop of a Wyoming ranch, the story follows Ryan as he watches his older brother, Gil, get drawn into a local anti-government militia that promotes racist and anti-Semitic views. The book explores the heavy emotional themes of integrity, peer pressure, and the courage required to stand alone. While the subject matter is intense, it is handled with a realistic and grounded touch that helps pre-teens navigate the complexity of 'loving the person but hating their actions.'
