A 2023 National Book Award Finalist A Michael L. Printz Honor BookArguably one of the finest
novels of the year. Booklist (starred review)A resourceful teenager in rural Vermont struggles
to hold on to the family home while his mom recovers from addiction in this striking debut
novel. Ian Gray isn t supposed to have a dog but a lot of things that shouldn t happen end up
happening anyway. And Gather Ian s adopted pup is good company now that Ian has to quit the
basketball team find a job and take care of his mom as she tries to overcome her opioid
addiction. Despite the obstacles thrown their way Ian is determined to keep his family afloat
no matter what it takes. And for a little while things are looking up: Ian makes friends and
his fondness for the outdoors and for fixing things lands him work helping neighbors. But an
unforeseen tragedy results in Ian and his dog taking off on the run trying to evade a future
that would mean leaving their house and their land. Even if the community comes together to
help him would Ian and Gather have a home to return to? Told in a wry cautious first-person
voice that meanders like a dog circling to be sure it s safe to lie down Kenneth M. Cadow s
resonant debut brings an emotional and ultimately hopeful story of one teen s resilience in the
face of unthinkable hardships.
