It's been an hour since I've finished the book and I can now stop crying, weeping, gnashing of teeth. For such a short book, I can't think of any other that has had such an impact on me. Gary Schmidt's simplicity of language is so amazing that I felt like I was there at the farm with 12 year Jackie, 14 year old Joseph, and undisclosed age of Rosie the cow.
Joseph is known to be a trouble maker but some foster parents who live on a farm with son Jack have agreed to take Joseph in. Joseph is still troubled, but is learning that he is not alone. And he has a daughter he desperately wants to take care of.
I would say this is a great middle grade book for those students who can take the subjects of juvenile detention, child abuse, and implied meanings. But the beauty of the book will not be wasted on adults either, clearly since I must go to CVS for more Kleenex. And then I'll smile. Sort of. (Read the book to understand that.)