Ruby Cooper has spent years living in a state of self-reliance, hiding the fact that her mother abandoned her in their dilapidated rental house. When the authorities discover her situation, she is sent to live with her estranged older sister, Cora, in a wealthy neighborhood. Ruby struggles to reconcile her defensive independence with the structured, affluent life Cora and her husband, Jamie, provide. Central to her adjustment is Nate, the boy next door who faces his own family pressures. As Ruby transitions from a broken public school to an elite private academy, she must decide whether to continue guarding her secrets or trust the new people in her life.
This book is intended for readers of contemporary young adult fiction who appreciate realistic depictions of family trauma and systemic neglect. It appeals to those interested in the mechanics of the foster care system and the psychological effects of abandonment. Readers learn that vulnerability is a choice that requires constant practice. The narrative provides a look at how social class shapes identity and how individuals redefine friendship and kinship when their original family structures fail them.
Inward-looking and clear-cut; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Escapist Adventurer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2008
- Language
- EN
