Riding Out The Storm

Deans, Sis  Riding Out The Storm    

 Macmillan/ Henry Holt   2012  165p  $16.99  978-0-8050-9355-1           ms/hs   E-BN    Conflict   

This short novel is a great one ... it takes place during a bus trip from Portland, Maine, to somewhere in New Jersey.  The main character is a 13-year-old boy named Zach who is going with his grandfather to visit his mentally-ill brother Derek, who is institutionalized in a hospital in New Jersey.  His thoughts and feelings about his brother, his family, and life in general permeate the book.  While he is on the bus, he meets a high-school girl with whom he is able to share some of his observations on life and his concern for his brother. 

This story should appeal to both boys and girls in grades 8 through 12.  It is funny, interesting, and heartwarming.  The writing style is appealing and amusing.        

E-BN  Carol Kennedy     Mental illness, Family