Over the years, I've taught several kids in foster care and mentored two seniors in foster care as part of a PAL program, so I loved the characters of Sam and Kyle. Their raw emotions were strong and pulled me into the story. Although foster care situations can be horrible, the author handled such events with realistic hope, keeping the book from being melancholy or trite.
Sam has the chance to go to college, to make a future for herself, if she'll write monthly letters to her mysterious benefactor. Needing someone to listen, she pours out her heart, never hearing a response. Through the course of letters, readers see Sam blossom as she discovers people can be trusted.
I enjoyed the characters, especially Kyle, who I pictured as so many boys I taught. I also enjoyed the set-up of the story being told through letters. The author's voice is fresh, and the book is well written.
The only disappointment is the ending. I could see it coming, and I hoped I'd be wrong. It wasn't a bad ending....just not as strong as the rest of the book.
Overall, it's a great book with strong characters. I look forward to reading Katherine Reay's next book.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.
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