Two brothers struggling to survive

This is listed as a YA book, but adults will enjoy it just as much. The story is based on two brothers who are basically orphaned; their mother dies in the opening chapter and their dad is in prison for robbery/murder. The older brother feels responsible for caring for his younger brother, but with no money, food, job, or other resources, he determines the best solution is to find the money his father stole that was never recovered. This, however, stirs up his dad and his accomplice and puts both boys in danger. Ava, a girl he knows from school, eventually joins in their survival escapades, which helps and complicates their journey.

This is an amazing story; I was totally engrossed in it from beginning to end - I couldn't put it down. I had so much compassion for the characters and felt myself silently cheering for their success and safety. The older boys concern for his younger sibling was so heart-warming and selfless; the boys had been failed by the adults in their lives. The writer's choice to briefly open with Ava's point of view at the beginning of each chapter, and then move to Jack's and others, added more dimension to the story telling.

I highly recommend this book. I received an ARC copy of the book and all comments and thoughts are my unbiased opinion. Thanks #bookishfirst ! RoaringBrookPress #WhatBeautyThereis #CoryAnderson