High school senior Adam Blake is surprised to find that his new assigned shadow for the school day is Julian, his former foster brother whom he hasn't seen in years. While Adam is popular and outgoing, Julian has become painfully withdrawn, hiding physical injuries and peculiar behaviors. As Adam pulls Julian into his social circle, he discovers that Julian is living in a volatile home environment under an abusive guardian who uses psychological manipulation and physical confinement to maintain control. Adam and his friends must navigate the school’s social hierarchy and child protective systems to intervene before Julian’s situation turns fatal.
This story serves readers interested in realistic depictions of trauma recovery and the mechanics of male friendship. It attracts those who want to understand the signs of domestic abuse and the difficulty of escaping systemic cycles of violence. A reader walks away with a clear perspective on how consistent social support can provide the necessary safety net for an individual to reclaim their voice and navigate the long process of healing from severe physical and emotional maltreatment.
Inward-looking and clear-cut; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Empathetic Explorer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2017
- Language
- EN
