About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is standing at the crossroads of a major life transition, particularly one that involves moving away or choosing between personal ambition and family loyalty. Missy Cord is a bright student in a small town who wins a life-changing college scholarship, but her excitement is clouded by the heavy guilt of leaving behind her family and the only world she has ever known. This story beautifully captures the nuanced anxiety of the 'first to go' and the complex tug-of-war between love and independence. It is an ideal read for older middle schoolers and high schoolers who are beginning to feel the pressure of their own looming departures and need to know that their hesitation is a normal part of growing up. Newton offers a realistic look at how we define ourselves within a community while still finding the courage to step outside of it.
