Description
Can two broken boys find their perfect home? By turns heartbreaking and heartwarming, this is a gorgeously told, powerful story. Sam is only fifteen but he and his autistic older brother, Avery, have been abandoned by every relative he's ever known. Now Sam's trying to build a new life for them. He survives by breaking into empty houses when their owners are away, until one day he's caught out when a family returns home.
To his amazement this large, chaotic family takes him under their wing - each teenager assuming Sam is a friend of another sibling. Sam finds himself inextricably caught up in their life, and falling for the beautiful Moxie. But Sam has a secret, and his past is about to catch up with him. Heartfelt storytelling, perfect for fans of Jandy Nelson and Jennifer Niven.
Review
This story is one that will really touch your heart (and have you shed a tear or two)!
Sam and Avery are two lost souls, just trying to survive. They have been abandoned, let down and unloved by any family they have ever had, including their mum, their abusive father, and their Aunt Karen who was left with them, but who doesn't want them.
Even though Sam is younger than Avery, he has always known that he has to protect him, at all costs. But this has had devasting consequences on both the boys.
All that Sam has ever wanted was a home for them to live in and a family to love them. Not too much to ask. But this is something that has evaded them their whole life. Sam’s attraction to breaking in to houses can be explained by this simple need.
So when Sam stumbles on the De Lainey house, he can’t believe his luck. It is a house full of people, mayhem and love, and somehow he manages to fit right in. It is all he ever wanted and more. His growing bond with the fiery Moxie is something that he doesn't want to lose. But how long can he hide in plain sight, and will his past finally catch up with him?
I felt a whole range of emotions reading this book, and as a Mum and an Aunty, I just wanted so desperately to be able to save Sam and Avery! It can be quite raw and confronting, as we delve into Sam and Avery’s world of abuse and neglect, but the story is ultimately about hope. It is full of strong characters, some of whom will stay with you for a very long time! You will have trouble putting this one down.
Best suited to those 14 years and older.
Reviewed by Sam
