My Rating: 4 out of 4
Division: 2
Timothy is facing house arrest and weekly visits by a probation officer and a counselor along with the task of writing in a journal for one year. He stole a wallet in order to get money to pay for drugs that his baby brother needed. It was just a few days later that he was caught. Timothy describes the difficulties he and his mother face as they try to take care of a baby who is not able to breathe and has a trach tube in his neck. The father has left, nursing help is difficult, and money is extremely tight. The diary chronicles in free verse what Timothy experiences in coping with a tough life. People come to their side and help and yet you realize that many days are very difficult and exhausting. Timothy doesn't always react with the best decisions but his love for his brother and mother trump everything in his eyes.
This book is for middle school but there isn't anything in it that would not be appropriate for a mature 5th grade student to read. It reminded me a little of the book Counting by 7's where you saw the growth of the characters who were assisting someone in crisis. The author's own baby had the same difficulties breathing and although not a autobiography, this book is close to some of her own experiences.
This is a great and quick read that would bring good discussions.
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