Liam Lynch is a free-spirited teen who enjoys exploring the outdoors. One day, a raven leads him to an abandoned baby. The baby, named Alison, is handed over to the authorities and later comes to live with the well-to-do Lynch family. Alison previously stayed with a larger foster family, including teens Oliver and Crystal. Liam befriends Oliver, a Liberian refugee, and Crystal, who is troubled. When Crystal and Oliver run away, Liam leads them to a secret cave. In the cave, Oliver shares the truth about his past. What effect will this truth have on the others?
A select audience of older teens will enjoy this title. The characters within its pages are reflective and artistic. At times, they seem older than their real age. The one exception is Nattrass, who is a big bully. Surprisingly, even he tries his hand at cinema. The visual imagery is remarkable, especially in regards to the video installation by The Gnat and the photographs taken by Liam's mother. The Northumberland setting enhances the feeling of wilderness. The writing is sure to spark many discussions. A read-alike to Oliver's story would be "Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" by Ishmael Beah.
- Date of review: 05/03/2010
- Publisher: Delacorte Press
- Publication Date: November 10, 2009
- Genre: Teen Fiction
