There were definitely no tears, not at all.

But seriously, this book is the definition of bittersweet. ( )

Things Jack knows about his new foster brother Joseph: he's 14 -- barely two years older than Jack. He's been to reform school and a juvenile corrections center, where terrible things happened. And he has a daughter that he's never seen. When Joseph comes to live on the farm with Jack and his parents, he's jumpy and sullen at times. He's targeted by the school bullies. And all he wants is to see his daughter. Joseph begins to trust his new family, but can he really move beyond the events in his past?

This is a touching and tragic story. Schmidt doesn't pull any punches, but he has the writing skill to keep the story from slipping toward the maudlin. If you enjoy this sort of realistic YA fiction, this is a good example of the genre. ( )

the last chapter got me and now im sad

loooooooooove the parents and teachers in this book so much. wish it was longer so we could spend more time with all the characters, loved the audiobook and the writing. ( )

4.5 Stars ( )

I read it recently with my "little sister" and she loved it. It's the kind of book I'd love at her age (she's 10) and I recommend it for younger readers. ( )