Synopses & Reviews
For readers of Robin Benway's Far from the Tree, a powerful and heartwarming look at a teen girl about to age out of the foster care system.
Growing up in foster care, Muir has lived in many houses. And if she's learned one thing, it is to Pack. Light. Carry only what fits in a suitcase.
Toothbrush? Yes.
Socks? Yes.
Emotional attachment to friends? foster families? a boyfriend? Nope!
There's no room for any additional baggage.
Muir has just one year left before she ages out of the system. One year before she's free. One year to avoid anything — or anyone — that could get in her way.
Then she meets Francine. And Kira. And Sean.
And everything changes.
Review
"A beautifully realized tale of a teen's search for her place in the world.” BookPage (Starred Review)
Review
"Longo (Up to this Pointe), a foster and adoptive parent, wrote the book for her adopted daughter, who wanted a "hopeful, happy" tale; she provides it — and the book, well-written and heartfelt, is a pleasure." Publisher's Weekly (Starred Review)
Review
"The power of relationship — both those experienced and those denied — is expertly explored throughout this novel with nuance and humanity....An exceptional addition to the coming-of-age canon." Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
About the Author
Jennifer Longo is the author of Six Feet Over It and Up to This Pointe. She holds an MFA in Writing for Theater from Humboldt State University. Jennifer lives in Seattle with her husband and daughter and writes about writing at jenlongo.com. You can also find her on Twitter @JenLiaLongo.