A poignant message with a sweet voice, this debut aches in the best way. An insightful dive into complex family dynamics and a wonderful representation of the inner life of a young person, John Cochran gives middle-graders and adults alike something to connect with and love.

Almost 13 year old Reese is a basketball and art loving kid who is traumatized when he discovers his father unconscious after a drug overdose. His mother makes the decision for them to leave his father until he gets help for his addiction. This very realistic book of the ups and downs of a family dealing with addiction will be relevant to far too many people. It’s well done and an appealing length for busy middle schoolers.