Jo Knowles Book order

If home is where the heart is, what would happen if you lost it? Compassion and humor infuse the story of a family caught in financial crisis and a girl struggling to form her own identity. It’s the first day of summer and Rachel's thirteenth birthday. She can't wait to head to the lake with her best friend, Micah. But as summer unfolds, every day seems to get more complicated. Her “fun” new job taking care of the neighbors’ farm animals quickly becomes a challenge, whether she’s being pecked by chickens or having to dodge a charging pig at feeding time. At home, her parents are more worried about money than usual, and their arguments over bills intensify. Fortunately, Rachel can count on Micah to help her cope with all the stress. But Micah seems to want their relationship to go beyond friendship, and though Rachel almost wishes for that, too, she can’t force herself to feel “that way” about him. In fact, she isn’t sure she can feel that way about any boy — or what that means. With all the heart of her award-winning novel See You At Harry's, Jo Knowles brings us the story of a girl who must discover where her heart is and what that means for her future.

The story centers on a younger sibling navigating his daily challenges while his older sister faces a significant crisis. Through the lens of Jo Knowles, known for her mastery of perspectives, the narrative explores themes of family dynamics, resilience, and the impact of personal struggles on relationships. The book captures the emotional complexity of growing up and the ways in which siblings support each other during difficult times.

In a single day, unpopular Nate deals with a bully and a broken finger, while dreamer Claire's plans are disrupted. Various characters, including cheerleaders and boys scamming for beer money, navigate the complexities of small-town life, revealing ordinary traumas and the blurred lines between presentation and perception.

Brimming with intelligence and humor, this book offers a sensitive exploration of its themes, captivating readers with its insightful narrative. The characters are well-developed, adding depth to the story while engaging with complex emotions and situations. The blend of wit and poignancy creates a rich reading experience that resonates on multiple levels.

Twelve-year-old Fern feels invisible in her family, where grumpy 18-year-old Sarah is working at the family restaurant, 14-year-old Holden is struggling with school bullies, and adorable, three-year-old Charlie is always the center of attention. When tragedy strikes, the fragile bond holding the family together is stretched almost to the breaking point.

Tells, from four points of view, the ramifications of a pregnancy resulting from a "one-time thing" between Ellie, who feels loved when boys touch her, and Josh, an eager virgin with a troubled home life.

Exploring the complexities of a troubled friendship, the narrative delves into one girl's journey as she confronts her secrets and feelings of shame. Through her struggles, she seeks to reclaim her sense of self and discover the strength needed to heal. The story captures the emotional depth of personal growth and the transformative power of facing one's past.