First published 2008
Frankie and Zach are complete opposites, but they share one painful thing in common: their fathers abandoned them as young boys. As they navigate the challenges of teen life, the two loners forge an unlikely friendship, finding solace in each other's experiences. With gritty honesty and tenderness, their story explores the weight of family, the power of connection, and the courage to confront the past. Fans of Jacqueline Woodson and Meg Medina will be drawn to this poignant exploration of identity, grief, and finding one's place in the world.
Genres: friendship, coming-of-age, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: El Paso (Tex.)
352 pages · Paperback · Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers