• Best Children's Book —Publishers Weekly
• Deutsche Jungendliteraturpreis Nominee
• Editors' Choice —Booklist
• National Book Award Finalist
• Quick Picks for Reluctant YA Readers —ALA

"Cole’s most powerful novel to date."
     —New York Times Book Review

"Not only about the resilience of the human spirit and resourcefulness of children: this astonishing novel also leaves us haunted by its profound message of expiation and renewal."
     —San Franciso Chronicle

"A fierce, unforgettable analysis of how children are made or broken or somehow survive."
     —Chicago Tribune

Show All Reviews

"Cole’s most powerful novel to date."
     —New York Times Book Review

"Not only about the resilience of the human spirit and resourcefulness of children: this astonishing novel also leaves us haunted by its profound message of expiation and renewal."
     —San Franciso Chronicle

"A fierce, unforgettable analysis of how children are made or broken or somehow survive."
     —Chicago Tribune

"Pushes the envelope of children’s literature."
     —Booklist

"A complex character of great emotional subtlety."
     —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Brilliantly crafted."
     —Kirkus Reviews