by Andrew Smith
First published 2015
Stark McClellan goes by Stick because he stands tall and thin. Born with one ear, the fourteen-year-old endures constant bullying about his appearance. His older brother Bosten always steps in to protect him. At home, both boys face their parents' abuse with no one to defend them. When Stick discovers that Bosten is gay, he understands his brother must escape before their father's rage destroys him. Bosten disappears, leaving Stick alone with their violent parents. Stick sets out to find his brother, knowing he cannot survive without him. His journey takes him through encounters with kind strangers, dangerous people, and those who ignore kids from poor families. Despite the hardships he faces, Stick refuses to give up hope of finding both his brother and the love he desperately needs.
Genres: fiction, abuse, coming-of-age, adolescence, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, sibling-relationship
320 pages · Paperback · Square Fish
Content warnings: abuse, child-abuse, domestic-violence, physical-abuse