The Homecoming

Gr 10 Up—After the accident that left his brother Ryan brain damaged, John's anger got the best of him and he was forced to leave his home. Seven years later, John is in trouble again and returns to the family who threw him out. It's a rough transition for him: he's a high school senior in a new school, he resumes playing lacrosse and starts getting back into shape, he's thinking seriously about his future and career goals, and his mom is still devoting most of her energy to Ryan's care (at the expense of her own health and well-being). The protagonist drowns his troubles in Jack Daniel's and a bit of pot, which might cause some trouble with his parole. He is on the brink of collapse, as are the rest of his family, and there's no clear way to help them without giving up everything he's worked for. The overall message of relying on family and friends for support is clear, and John's pain and confusion are palpable. He's 17 and handling things as well as an adolescent can. He sees a therapist and vents some of his rage, and breakthroughs come quickly. This is a fairly typical story of overcoming familial dramas and healing from tragedy, but the male point of view distinguishes it in a field crowded with girls' perspectives.